PRINCETON,  N.  J. 


S/ie//.. 


BS  2832  .A2 

Bible. 

The  apocryphal  New  Testamen 


APOCRYPHAL 

NEW  TESTAMENT, 


BEING     ALL 


AND 

OTHER   PIECES   NOW   EXTANT; 

ATTRIBUTED    IN    THE    FIRST    FOUR    CENTURIES    TO 

JESUS  CHRIST, 

HIS  APOSTLES,  AND  THEIR  COMPANIONS, 

AND     NOT    INCLUDED    IN 

THE     NEW     TESTAMENT 

BY  ITS  COMPILERS. 

TRANSLATED,  AND  NOW  FIRST  COLLECTED  INTO  ONE  VOLUME, 

WITH  PREFACES  AND  TABLES, 

AND    VARIOUS    NOTES    AND    REFERENCES. 


N  E  W  -  Y  O  R  K  : 
PUBLISHED    BY    HENRY    G.    DAGGERS, 

No.    30    Ann -STREET. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  AMERICAN  EDITION. 


*'  He  who  possesses  this  and  the  New  Testament,  has, 
IN  the  two  volumes,  a  collection  of  all  the  Historical 

RECORDS  RELATIVE  TO  ChRIST  AND  HIS  ApOSTLES,  NOW  IN  EX- 
ISTENCE, AND  CONSIDERED  SACRED  BY  CHRISTIANS,  DURING  THE 
FIRST  FOUR  CENTURIES." 

Such  is  the  assertion  of  the  Enghsh  editor  of  this  Testament ; 
and  it  is  doubtless  made  in  good  faith  and  after  a  thorough  re- 
view of  the  grounds  of  his  conviction  that  the  present  work  is 
genuine  and  authentic.  The  internal  evidence  of  its  style  is 
much,  but  it  is  less  than  the  proofs  which  have  been  gathered 
from  external  sources,  as  stated  in  the  Prefaces  which  follow. 
They  will  be  read,  therefore,  with  an  interest  commensurate  to 
the  importance  of  the  topic  of  which  they  treat. 

The  work  itself  has  excited  the  greatest  attention  abroad.  Its 
republication  has  been  undertaken  here  from  a  persuasion  that  it 
can  do  no  harm  to  any  reader  to  see  those  portions  of  the  Scrip- 
tures which  were  rejected  as  apocryphal  by  the  Fathers  of  the 
Early  Christian  Church.  On-  the  contrary,  the  curiosity  which 
will  be  gratified  is  a  laudable  one,  and  must  lead  to  a  true  con- 
templation of  the  true  Testament. 

No  Family  Bible  is  considered  complete,  unless  it  contains  the 
Apocrypha  to  the  Old  Testament.     Why  should  not  the  Apocry- 


IV  PREFACE  TO  THE  AMERICAN  EDITION. 

pha  to  the  New  Testament  be  deemed  equally  important  and  in- 
teresting ?  That  it  is  so,  and  that  it  should  be  universally  read, 
will  be  acknowledged  by  every  dispassionate  person,  who  calmly 
and  reasonably  reflects  upon  the  nature  of  this  volume.  There 
is  nothing  in  it  contradictory  of  those  truths  which  have  been  ac- 
cepted as  revealed^  but  every  Chapter  and  Verse  go  to  confirm  the 
undoubted  writings  of  the  Apostles  and  Evangehsts. 


.       *.i    ^^    V/     *»_i     KJ 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  FIRST  ENGLISH  EDITION. 


After  the  writings  contained  in  the  New  Testament  were  selected  from  the 
numerous  Gospels  and  Epistles  then  in  existence,  what  became  of  tJie 
books  that  were  rejected  by  the  compilers  ? 

This  question  naturally  occurs  on  every  investigation  as  to  the  period 
when,  and  the  persons  by  whom,  the  New  Testament  was  formed.  It 
has  been  supposed  by  many  that  the  volume  was  compiled  by  the  first 
Council  of  Nice,  which  was  held  early  in  the  fourth  century,  according 
to  Jortin,*  originated  thus  : 

Alexander,  Bishop  of  Alexandria,  and  Arius,  who  was  a  Presbyter  in 
his  diocese,  disputed  together  about  the  nature  of  Christ ;  and  the  Bishop 
being  displeased  at  the  notions  of  Arius,  and  finding  that  they  were 
adopted  by  other  persons,  "  was  very  angry."  He  commanded  Arius  to 
come  over  to  his  sentiments,  and  to  quit  his  own  :  as  if  a  man  could  change 
his  opinions  as  easily  as  he  can  change  his  coat !  He  then  called  a  council 
of  war,  consisting  of  near  a  hundred  Bishops,  and  deposed,  excommunica- 
ted, and  anathematized  Arius,  and  with  him  several  ecclessiastics,  two  of 
whom  were  Bishops.  Alexander  then  wrote  a  circular  to  all  Bishops,  ia 
which  he  represents  Arius  and  his  partisans  as  Heretics,  Apostates, 
Blasphemous  enemies  of  God,  full  of  impudence  and  impiety.  Forerunners 
of  Antichrist,  Imitators  of  Judas,  and  men  whom  it  was  not  lawful  to  salute 
or  to  bid  God  speed.  There  is  no  reason  to  doubt  of  the  probity  and  sin- 
cerity of  those  who  oppposed  Alexander  and  the  Nicene  Fathers  ;  for  what 
did  they  get  by  it  beside  obloquy  and  banishment  ?  Many  good  men  were 
engaged  or.  both  sides  of  the  controversy.  So  it  was  in  the  fourth  century, 
and  so  it  hath  been  ever  since.  Eusebius  of  Nicomedia,  and  Eusebius 
the  historian,  endeavoured  to  pacify  Alexander,  and  to  persuade  him  to 
make  up  the  quarrel ;  and  Constantino  sent  a  letter  by  the  illustrious 
Hosius  of  Corduba  to  Alexander  and  Arius,  in  which  he  reprimanded 

*  Rem.  on  Eccl.  Hist.  vol.  ii.  p.  177 


Vi  PREFACE  TO  THE 

them  both  for  disturbing  the  Church  with  their  insignificant  disputes. 
But  the  affair  was  gone  too  far  to  be  thus  composed,  and  Socrates  repre- 
sents  both  sides  as  equally  contentious  and  refractory.  To  settle  this  and 
other  points,  the  Nicene  Council  was  summoned,  consisting  of  about  three 
hundred  and  eighteen  Bishops, — a  mystical  number  on  which  many 
profound  remarks  have  been  made.*  The  first  thing  they  did  was  to 
quarrel,  and  to  express  their  resentments,  and  to  present  accusations  to 
the  Emperor  against  one  another.  So  say  Socrates,  Sozomen,  and  Rufi. 
nus.  Theodoret  favours  his  brethren  in  this  afiair,  and  seems  to  throw 
the  fault  upon  the  laity.  But  the  whole  story,  as  it  is  related  by  them 
all,  and  even  by  Theodoret,  shows  that  the  Bishops  accused  one  another. 
The  Emperor  burnt  all  their  libels,  and  exhorted  them  to  peace  and 
unity ;  so  that  if  they  had  not  been  restrained  by  his  authority,  and  by 
fear  and  respect,  they  would  probably  have  spent  their  time  in  alterca- 
tions. 

This  Council  of  Nice  is  one  of  the  most  famous  and  interesting  events 
presented  to  us  in  Ecclesiastical  history  ;  and  yet,  what  is  most  surpris- 
ing, scarcely  any  portion  of  the  History  of  the  Church  has  been  unfolded 
with  such  negligence,  or  rather  passed  over  with  such  rapidity.  The  an- 
cient writers  are  neither  agreed  with  respect  to  the  time  or  place  in  which 
it  was  assembled,  the  number  of  those  who  sat  in  council,  nor  the  Bishop 
Avho  presided  in  it.     No  authentic  acts  of  its  famous  sentence  have  been 

*  "  For  the  Scripture  says,  that  Abraham  circumcised  tliree  hundred  and  eighteen  men 
of  his  house.  But  what,  therefore,  was  the  mystery  tliat  was  made  known  unto  him? 
Marli  first  tlie  eighteen,  and  next  the  three  hundred.  For  the  numeral  letters  of  ten  and 
eight  are  I  H  ;  and  these  denote  Jesus.  And  because  the  Cross  was  that  by  which  we 
were  to  find  grace  ;  therefore  he  adds  three  hundred  ;  the  note  of  which  is  T  (the  figure 
of  his  cross).  Wherefore  by  two  letters,  he  signified  Jesus,  and  by  the  third  his  cross." — 
Barnabas^  \'ni.  11,  12,  13. 

The  Jews  had  a  piece  of  cabalism,  or  allegory,  upon  the  number  of  Abraham's  servants, 
(Genesis,  xiv.  14.)  viz.  three  hundred  and  eighteen  ;  not  much  unlike  that  of  Barnabas. 
The  name  of  Eliezer,  Abraham's  steward,  according  to  the  value  of  the  Hebrew  letters 
which  compose  it,  makes  three  hundred  and  eighteen,  thus: 


£liezer. 


318 

Now,  say  the  Jews,  the  numeral  letters  of  'nty^i^.'  EUezer,  making  318,  the  nnmber  of 
servants  which  Abraham  armed,  we  learn  hence,  that  Abraham  did  the  business,  and  got 
the  victory  wilh  Eliezer  alone,  who  was  equal  to  all  of  them,  and  that  he  left  the  rest  at 
home,  because  either  sins  or  fears  made  them  unfit  to  go. — Eivet,  on  Clem.  Alex.  Exercit. 
bcxv.,  in  Gen.  xiv. 


S^ 

1 

b 

30 

1 

10 

2? 

70 

T 

7 

'1 

200 

FIRST  EDITION.  V„ 

committed  to  writing ;  or  at  least  none  have  been  transmitted  to  our  time.*. 
Although  it  is  uncertain  whether  the  books  of  the  New  Testament  were 
declared  canonical  by  the  Nicene  Council,  or  by  some  other,  or  when  or 
by  whom  they  Avere  collected  into  a  volume,  it  is  certain^  that  they  were 
considered  genuine  and  authentic,  with  a  few  variations  of  opinion  as  to 
some  of  them,  by  the  most  early  Christian  writers  ;  and  that  they  were 
selected  from  various  other  Gospels  and  Epistles,  the  titles  of  which  are 
mentioned  in  the  works  of  the  Fathers  and  early  historians  of  the  Church. :{: 
The  books  that  exist  of  those  not  included  in  the  Canon,  are  carefully 
brought  together  into  the  present  volume.  They  naturally  assume  the 
title  of  the  Apocryphal  New  Testament ;  and  he  who  possesses  this  and 
the  New  Testament,  has,  in  the  two  volumes,  a  collection  of  all  the  his- 
torical  records  relative  to  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  now  in  existence,  and 
considered  sacred  by  Christians^  during  the  first  four  centuries  after  his 
birth. 

In  a  CompIeie\\  Collection  of  the  Apocryphal  writings,  the  Apostles' 
Creed  is  necessarilj-  included ;  and  as  necessarily  given,  as  it  stood  in  the 
fourth  and  until  after  the  sixth  century,  (from  Mr.  Justice  Bailey's  edi- 
lion  of  the  Common  Prayer  Book,)  without  the  article  of  Christ's  Descent 
into  Hell — an  interpolation  concerning  which  the  author  of  the  Preface 
to  the  Catalogue  of  the  MSS.  of  the  King's  Library  thus  expresses  him. 
self:  "  I  wish  that  the  insertion  of  the  article  of  Chrisfs  Descent  into 
Jlell  into  the  Apostle's  Creed  could  be  as  well  accounted  for  as  the  insert 
tion  of  the  said  verse  (I  John,  V.  711)    The  best  that  can  be  said  for  it  is, 

*  Mosheim,  Eccl.  Hist.  c.  v.  §  12.         t  See  Table  II.  at  end  of  this  work, 
t  See  Table  I.  at  end. 

§  Of  course  the  Ebionites,  and  various  other  Sects,  denominated  heretics  by  the  father^ 
and  Councils,  are  included  in  the  denomination  of  Christians. 

II  As  the  title  expresses,  every  Apocryphal  Writing,  attributed  during  the  first  four  cen- 
turies to  Jesus  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  and  their  companions,  is  given  in  this  volume 
There  were  many  Gospels  and  Epistles  fabricated  in  the  latter  ages  ;  the  notoriety  of  the 
forgery  has  of  course  excluded  thejn. 

T  Catalogue  of  MSS.  of  the  king's  library,  by  David  Casley,  4to.  in  Pref  p.  xxiv.  For 
large  particulars  of  Christ's  Descent  into  Hell,  see  the  Gospel  of  Nicodemus,  chap.  xiij. 
to  XX. 

The  verse  above  alluded  to  by  Mr.  Casley  is  I  John,  v.  7.  This  spurious  passage,  in 
the  authorised  version  of  the  New  Testament,  printed  by  the  Universities  of  Oxford  and 
Cambridge  and  the  King's  printers,  and  appointed  to  be  read  in  churches,  stands  thus  : — 
"  For  there  are  three  that  hear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  and  these  three  are  one."  This  verss,  Mr.  Casley  says,  is  now  generally  given 
up  ;  being  in  no  Greek  MS.,  save  one  at  Beriin,  which  is  discovered  to  have  been  tran.- 
scribed  from  the  printed  Biblia  Complutensia  ;  and  another  modern  one  at  Dublin,  proba- 


Vni  PREFACE  TO  THE 

that  it  might  possibly  have  come  in,  in  like  manner,  not  long  before,  from 
a  gloss  or  paraphrase,  that  was  at  first  put  into  the  margin  or  between  the 
lines." 

bly  translated  or  corrected  from  the  Latin  Vulgate.  It  is  conjectured  that  it  may  have 
been  inserted  by  the  mistake  of  a  Latin  copyist :  for  the  owners  of  MSS.  often  wrote 
glosses  or  paraphrases  of  particular  passages  between  the  lines,  and  ignorant  transcribers 
sometimes  mistook  these  notes  for  interhned  omissions  by  the  original  scribes,  and  accord- 
ingly in  re-copying  the  MSS.  incorporated  these  glosses  or  paraphrases  into  the  body  of 
the  text.  For  instance,  Jerome,  in  one  of  his  letters,  says  that  an  explanatory  note  which 
he  himself  had  made  in  the  margin  of  his  Psalter  had  been  incorporated  by  some  transcri- 
ber into  the  text  ;  and  Dr.  Bentley,  in  the  96th  page  of  his  Epistle,  annexed  to  Malala's 
Chronicle,  has  proved  HivS  opog  torii;  iv  ttj  Apafila,  in  Galatians,  IV.  25.  to  be  of  the  same 
stamp.* 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  tell  the  reader,  that  in  1516  and  1519,  Erasmus  published 
his  first  and  second  editions  of  the  Greek  Testaments,  both  which  omitted  the  three  heav- 
enly witnesses.  That  having  promised  to  insert  them  in  his  text,  if  they  were  found  in  a 
single  Greek  MS.,  he  was  soon  informed  of  the  existence  of  such  a  MS.  in  England,  and 
consequently  inserted  1  John,  V.  7,  in  his  third  edition,  1522.  That  this  MS.,  after  a 
profound  sleep  of  two  centuries,  has  at  last  been  found  in  the  library  of  Trinity  College, 
Dublin.  That  the  Complutensian  edition,  which  was  not  pubUshed  till  1522,  though  it  pro. 
fesses  to  be  printed  in  1514,  has  the  seventh  and  eighth  verses  patched  up  from  the  modern 
Latin  MS.,  and  the  final  clause  of  the  eighth  verse,  which  is  omitted  in  its  proper  place, 
transferred  to  the  end  of  the  seventh.  That  Colinaeus,  in  1534,  omitted  the  verse  on  the 
faith  of  MSS.  That  R.  Stephens,  in  his  famous  edition  of  1550,  inserti'd  the  verse,  and 
marked  the  words  iv  nZt  oipavoyi  as  wanting  in  seven  MSS.  That  Beza,  suspecting  no 
mistake,  concluded  that  these  seven  MSS.  contained  the  rest  of  the  seventh  verse,  and  the 
eighth  with  the  words  iv  rrji  yrjt.i 

Sir  Isaac  Newton  wrote  a  Dissertation  upon  this  passage,  wherein  he  gave  a  clear, 
exact,  and  comprehensive  view  of  the  whole  question,  and  wherein  he  says,  that  when  the 
adversaries  of  Erasmus  had  got  the  Trinity  into  his  edition,  they  threw  by  their  MS.  as  an 
almanack  out  of  date. t 

The  text  is  not  contained  in  any  Greek  manuscript  which  was  written  earlier  than  th^ 
fifteenth  century.  2.  Nor  in  any  Latin  manuscript  earlier  than  the  ninth  centuiy.  3.  It 
is  not  found  in  any  of  the  ancient  versions.  4.  It  is  not  cited  by  any  of  the  Greek  eccle- 
siastical writers,  though  to  prove  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  they  have  cited  the  words 
both  before  and  after  this.  5.  It  is  not  cited  by  any  of  the  early  Latin  Fathers,  even  when 
the  subjects  upon  which  they  treat  would  naturally  have  led  them  to  appeal  to  its  authori- 
ty. 6.  It  is  first  cited  by  Vigilius  Tapsensis,  a  Latin  writer  of  no  credit,  in  the  latter 
end  of  the  fifth  century,  and  by  him  it  is  suspected  to  have  been  forged.  7.  It  has  been 
omitted  as  spurious^  in  many  editions  of  the  New  Testament  since  the  reformation  : — in 
the  two  first  of  Erasmus,  in  those  of  Aldus,  Colinaeus,  Zwinglius,  and  lately  of  Griesbach. 
8.  It  was  omitted  by  Luther  in  his  German  version.  In  the  old  Enghsh  Bibles  of  Hen- 
ry  VIII.,  Edward  VI.,  and  Elizabeth,  it  was  printed  in  small  types,  or  included  in  brack- 
ets ;  but  between  the  years  1566  and  1580,  it  began  to  be  printed  as  it  now  stands ;  by 

*  Cat.  King's  Libr.  Pref,  p.  x.xi.  f  Porson's  Letters  to  Travis. — Pre/. 

t  Sii  J  Newtoni  Opera  a  Horsley,  4to.  1785,  vol.  v.  p.  549.  Bishop  Horsley,  in  his  edition  of  Sir  Isaac 
Newton's  works,  has  not  included  several  MSS.  on  theological  subjects,  for  the  reason  which  perhaps 
induce  the  Nobleman  in  whose  possession  they  remain,  to  withhold  them  still  from  publication.  His  Lord- 
ship's judgment  in  this  respect  is  said  to  be  influenced  by  a  prelate  whose  notions  do  not  accord  either  with 
the  jihilosopher'b  opinions  or  criticisms.  They  are  fairly  transcribed,  in  Sir  Isaac's  own  hand-writing,  ready 
for  the  press.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  production  of  his  luminous  mind  should  be  suppressed  by  a  cen 
(OTihip,  however  reipectable, 


FIRST  EDITION.  IX 

By  the  publication  of  the  Apocrypha  to  the  New  Testament,  the  Editor 
conceives  he  has  rendered  an  acceptable  service  to  the  Theological  Stu- 

whose  authority  is  not  known.  See  Travis's  Letters  to  Gibbon,  and  Porson's  to  Travis. 
Also  Griesbach's  excellent  Dissertation  on  the  Text  at  the  end  of  the  second  volume. 
Archbishop  Newcome  omits  the  text,  and  the  Bishop  of  Lincoln  expresses  his  conviction 
that  it  is  spurious.  (Elem.  of  Theol.  vol.  ii.  p.  90,  note.)* 

In  a  sumptuous  Latin  MS.  of  the  Bible,  written  so  late  as  in  the  thirteenth  century, 
formerly  belonging  to  the  Capuchin  Convent  at  Montpelier,  afterwards  in  the  possession 
of  Harley,  Earl  of  Oxford,  and  now  deposited  in  the  British  Museum,  the  verse  of  the 
three  heavenly  witnesses  is  wanting,  as  appears  by  the  following  literal  extract  from  it. 

•   ?§fc  est  quf  tienit  per  atiuam  ff  satiflutncm.  fi)e  rpc.    ^on  m  aq  solum.  seU  fn 

aqua   K  sanjjuinen  K   ajpu.  spe  est   qui   testtfftattiv.  quonfam  rpe  est  bevttas. 

<9Luonfam  tres  sunt,  quf  testimonfum  trattt  fit  tra,  Spe.  aqua.  K  sanjjufs.  3Et 
trtft  unum  sunt.t 

The  following  Greek  and  Latin  authors  have  not  quoted  the  text  :t 

Greek  Authors: — Irenaeus — Clemens  Alexandrinus — Dionysius  Alexandrinus,  (or 
the  writer  against  Paul  of  Samosata  under  his  name) — Athanasius — The  Synopsis  of 
Scripture — The  Synod  of  Sardica — Epiphanius — Basil — Alexander  of  Alexandria — Gre. 
gory  Nyssen — Gregory  Nazianzen,  with  his  two  conmientators,  Elias  Cretensis  and 
Nicetas — Didymus  de  Spiritu  Sancto — Chrysostome — an  author  under  his  name  de  sane 
ta  et  consuhstantiali  Trinilate — Ccesarius — Proclus — The  Council  of  Nice,  as  it  is  repre- 
sented by  Gelaaius  Cyzicenus — Hyppolytus — Andrias — Six  catenae  quoted  by  Simon — 
The  marginal  scholia  of  three  MSS. — Hesychius — John  Damascenus — Oecumenius — Eu- 
thymius  Zigabenus. 

Latin  Authors : — The  author  de  Baptismo  Heereticoruni,  among  Cyprian's  works — 
Novatian  —  Hilary — Lucifer  Calazitanus — Jerome — Augustine — Ambrose — Faustinas — 
Leo  Magnus — The  author  de  Proniissis — Eucherius — Facundus — Cerealis — Rusticus — 
Bede — Gregory — Philastrius — Paschasius — Arnobius  jun. — Pope  Eusebius. 

It  is  evident  that  if  the  text  of  the  heavenly  witnesses  had  been  known  from  the  begin- 
ning of  Christianity,  the  ancients  would  have  eagerly  seized  il,  inserted  it  in  their  creeds, 
quoted  it  repeatedly  against  the  heretics,  and  selected  it  for  the  brightest  ornament  of  every 
book  that  they  wrote  upon  the  subject  of  the  Trinity.  In  short,  if  this  verse  be  really 
genuine,  notwithstanding  its  absence  from  all  the  Greek  MSS.  except  two  ;  one  of  which 
awkwardly  translates  the  verse  from  the  Latin,  and  the  other  transcribes  it  from  a  printed 
book  ;  notwithstanding  its  absence  from  all  the  versions  except  the  vulgate  ;  and  even 
from  many  of  the  best  and  oldest  MSS.  of  the  vulgate  ;  notwithstanding  all  the  deep  and 
dead  silence  of  all  the  Greek  writers  down  to  the  thirteenth,  and  most  of  the  Latins  down 
to  the  middle  of  the  eighth  century  ;  if,  in  spite  of  all  these  objections,  it  be  still  genuine, 
no  part  of  Scripture  whatsoever  can  be  proved  either  spurious  or  genuine  ;  and  Satan  has 
been  permitted  for  many  centuries,  miraculously  to  banish  the  finest  passage  in  the  New 
Testament  from  the  eyes  and  memories  of  almost  all  the  Christian  authors,  translators 
and  transcribers. § 

Sir  Isaac  Newton  observes,  that  "  what  the  the  Latins  have  done  to  this  text,  (I  John, 
V.  7.)  the  Greeks  have  done  to  that  of  St.  Paul,  (Timothy,  III.  16.)  For  by  changing 
b  into  9,  the  abbreviation  of  Bed;,  they  now  read.  Great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness  :  God 
manifested  in  the  flesh  :  whereas  all  the  churches  for  the  first  four  or  five  hundred  years 
and  the  authors  of  all  the  ancient  versions,  Jerome,  as  well  as  the  rest,  read,  Great  is 
the  mystery  of  godliness,  which  was  manifested  in  the  flesh."     Sir  Isaac  gives  a  list  ot 

*  ImprovacI  version  of  the  New  Testament,  1608         t  Harl.  Coll.  MSS.  Cod.  4773. 
t  Persons  Letters  to  Travis,  p.  363.  $  Ibid.  p.  402. 


X  PREFACE  TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION. 

dent,  and  the  Ecclesiastical  Antiquary  :  he  has  endeavoured  to  render  it 
more  gratifying  to  the  reader,  and  more  convenient  for  reference,  by  ar- 
ranging  the  books  into  chapters,  and  dividing  the  chapters  into  verses, 
after  the  manner  of  the  Apocrypha  to  the  Old  Testament.  He  has  only 
to  add,  that  the  lover  of  Old  Literature  will  here  find  the  obscure  but  un- 
questionable origin  of  several  remarkable  relations  in  the  Golden  Legend, 
the  Lives  of  the  Saints,  and  similar  productions,  concerning  the  Birth  of 
the  Virgin,  her  marriage  with  Joseph  on  the  budding  of  his  rod,  the  nati- 
vity of  Jesus,  the  miracles  of  his  Infancy,  his  labouring  with  Joseph  at  the 
carpentry  trade,  the  actions  of  his  followers,  and  his  Descent  into  Hell.  • 
Several  of  the  Papal  Pageants  for  the  populace,  and  the  Monkish  Myste- 
ries  performed  as  Dramas  at  Chester,  Coventry,  Newcastle,  and  in  other  , 
parts  of  England,  are  almost  verbatim  representations  of  the  stories. 
These  stories  were  also  introduced  into  the  Grand  Mystery  of  the  ^Ctes 
bes  2lgOStres,  which,  by  order  of  Francis  L  in  1541,  was  represented 
at  Paris,  and  occupied  with  a  Dramatis  Personae  of  485  Characters,  seve- 
ral days  in  the  performance. 

Many  valuable  Pictures  by  the  best  masters — Prints  by  the  early  en- 
gravers, particularly  of  the  Italian  and  German  schools — Wood-cuts  in 
early  block  Icttct,  and  Block  books — and  Illuminations  of  missals  and 
monastic  MSS. — receive  immediate  elucidation  on  referring  to  the 
APOCRYPHAL  NEW  TESTAMENT,  and  are  without  explanation 
from  any  other  source. 

authors,  who,  he  says,"  wrote  all  of  theni,  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  centuries  for  the  Deity 
of  the  Son,  and  incarnation  of  God  ;  and  some  of  them  largely,  and  in  several  tracts  ; 
and  yet,"  he  says,  •'  I  cannot  find  that  they  ever  allege  this  text  to  prove  it,  excepting 
that  Gregory  Nyssen*  once  urges  it,  (if  the  passage  crept  not  into  him  out  of  some  mar- 
ginal annotation).  In  all  the  times  of  the  hot  and  lasting  Arian  controversy,  it  never 
came  into  play  ;  though  now  those  disputes  are  over,  they  that  read  God  made  manifest 
in  the  flesh,  think  it,"  Sir  Isaac  says,  "  one  of  the  most  obvious  and  pertinent  texts  for 
the  business." 

Sir  Isaac  Newton  wrote  the  '  Dissertation'  wherein  these  remarks  occur  between  the 
years  1690  and  1700,  in  the  form  of  a  letter  to  a  friend.  It  was  imperfectly  published 
in  1754  ;  but  Bishop  Horsley  printed  the  whole  from  an  original  MS.  and  in  the  Bishop's 
edition  Sir  Isaac  says,  "  If  the  Ancient  Churches,  in  debating  and  deciding  the  great- 
est mysteries  of  religion,  knew  nothing  of  these  two  texts,  I  understand  not  why  we 
should  be  so  fond  of  them  now  the  debates  are  over.  And  while  it  is  the  character  of 
an  honest  man  to  be  pleased,  and  of  a  man  of  interest  to  be  troubled  at  the  detection  of 
frauds,  and  of  both  to  run  into  those  passions  when  the  detection  is  made  plainest ;  "  I 
hope,"  continues  Sir  Isaac,  "  this  letter  will,  to  one  of  your  integrity,  prove  so  much  the 
more  acceptable,  as  it  makes  a  further  di.scovery  than  you  have  hitherto  met  with  in 
commentators." 

There  are  other  interpolations  and  corruptions  of  passages  in  the  New  Testament,  but 
the  Editor  perceives  that  the  few  observations  he  has  hastily  collected  and  thrown  to- 
gether in  this  note,  have  already  extended  it  to  undue  length,  and  it  must  here  close. 

*  Oral.  xi.  contra  Ennom. 


ORDER  OF  ALL  THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  APOCRYPHAL  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


r 


Authorities.     See  also  the  authorities  more  at  large  in 
tlie  Notices  before  each  Book. 


Mary  hath 

Prote  vangelion 

I.  Infancy  

II.  Infancy 

Christ  and  Abgarus 

Nicodemua 

Apostles'  Creed   in    its 
ancient  state 


Apostles'    Creed    in  its 
present  state  

Laodiceans 

Paul  and  Seneca 

Paul  and  Thecla 

I.  Corinthians 

II.  Corinthians 

Barnabas  

Ephesians 

Magnesians 

Trallians.. 

Romans 

Philadelphians 

Smyrnseans 

Poiycarp 

Philippians 

].  Hermas — Visions 

II.  Hermas — Commands 

III,  Hermas  —  Simili- 
tudes   


8 
16 

22 


22 
1 


14 


11 


23 
5 

15 
4 
4 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
4 
4 

12 

10 


1 
6 

15 
31 

32 

33 
52 


53 

54 

55 

57 

67 
86 
90 
104 
109 
111 
113 
115 
119 
121 
123 
127 
138 

150 


In  the  works  of  St.  Jerome,  a  Father  of 
the  Church,  who  died  A.  D.  420. 

Postellus  brought  the  MS.  from  the  Le- 
vant, translated  it  into  Latin,  and  caused  it  to 
be  printed  at  Zurich,  in  1552. 

Received  by  the  Gnostics,  a  sect  of  Chris- 
tians in  the  second  Century,  and  translated 
into  English  by  Mr.  Henry  Sike,  Oriental 
Professor  at  Cambridge,  in  1697. 

Printed  by  Professor  Cotelerius  in  a  note 
to  his  works  of  the  Apostolic  Fathers,  from 
a  MS.  in  the  King  of  France's  Library,  No. 
2279,  and  Bishop  of  Caesarea,  A.  D.  315. 

Preserved  by  Eusebius,  one  of  the  Council 
of  Nice,  in  his  Ecclessiastical  History,  Book 
I.  chap.  13. 

Published  by  Professor  Grynaeus,  in  the 
Orthodoxographia,  1555,  torn.  ii.  p.  643. 

Without  the  articles  of  Christ's  Descent 
into  Hell  and  the  Communion  of  Saints.  See 
it  thus  handed  down  in  Mr.  Justice  Bailey's 
Edition  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  8vo. 
1813,  p.  9,  note:  Also  in  Bingham's  Antiqui- 
ties of  the  Christian  Church,  folio,  1726.  B. 
10.  c.  4.S.  12. 

In  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  of  the 
Church  of  England. 

From  ancient  MSS.  in  the  Sorbonne  and 
the  Library  of  loannes  a  Viridario  at  Padua. 
See  also  Poole's  Annotations  on  Col.  iv.  16. 
and  Harl.  MSS.  Cod.  I2l2. 

Jerome  ranks  Seneca  on  account  of  these 
Epistles  among  the  holy  writers  of  the 
Church.  They  are  preserved  by  Sixtus  Se- 
nensis,  in  his  BiUliotheque,  p.  89,  90. 

From  the  Greek  MS.  in  the  Bodleian  Li- 
brary, copied  by  Dr.  Mills,  and  transmitted 
to  Dr.  Grabe,  who  edited  and  printed  it  in  his 
Spicilegium. 

These  are  "  The  Genuink  Epistles  of  the 
Apostolical  Fathers  :  being,  together  with  the 
Holy  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament,  a 
complete  collection  of  the  most  primitive  Anti- 
quity for  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  years  af- 
ter Christ.  Translated  and  published  with 
a  large  preliminary  discourse  relating  to  the 
several  Treatises  by  the  most  JReverend  Father 
in  God,  William,  (Wake)  Lord  Bishop  of 
Lincoln,"  afterwards  Lord  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury.  The  authorities  and  pro..)fs  ad- 
duced by  this  erudite  and  honest  prelate  will 
be  found  in  great  number  in  the  Introduction 
and  Discourses  to  the  Edition'  of  the  Arch- 
bishop's Translation  of  these  Epistles  pub- 
lished  in  1817,  by  M.  BAasTER,  Paternoster- 
Row. 


Note.— Column  1,  contains  the  proper  Names  of  the  Books-Col.  2,  the  No.  of  Chapters  in  each-Col.  3, 
the  page  whereon  each  Book  commences— Co'.  4,  the  Authorities  for  each  briefly  stated. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  SECOND  ENGLISH  EDITION, 


Although  the  Apocryphal  New  Testament  was  put  out  without  pie 
tension,  or  ostentatious  announcement,  or  even  solicitude  for  its  fate,  yet 
a  large  Edition  has  been  sold  in  a  few  months.  The  Public  demanding 
another,  to  this  second  Edition  a  small  fragment  of  the  second  Epistle  of 
dement  to  the  Corinthians,  accidentally  omitted  has  been  added  :  it  forms 
the  fifth  Chapter  of  that  Epistle.  There  is,  likewise  annexed,  a  Table 
of  the  years  wherein  all  the  Books  of  the  New  Testament  are  stated  to 
have  been  written  ;  to  the  '  Order  of  the  Books  of  the  Apocryphal  New 
Testament,"  the  authorities  from  whence  they  have  been  taken  are  affixed  ; 
and,  finally,  many  errors  in  the  numerous  scriptural  references  subjoined 
in  the  notes  to  the  Epistles,  have  been  corrected.  These  are  the  only 
material  variations  from  the  first  Edition. 

It  escaped  the  Editor  to  notice  that  the  legends  of  the  Koran  and  the 
Hindoo  Mythology  are  considerably  connected  with  this  volume.  Many 
of  the  acts  and  miracles  ascribed  to  the  Indian  God,  Creeshna,  during  his 
Incarnation,  are  precisely  the  same  with  those  attributed  to  Christ  in  his 
Infancy,  by  the  Apocryphal  Gospels,  and  are  largely  particularized  by 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Maurice  in  his  learned  History  of  Hindoostan. 

Reference  t'>  the  preceding  Preface  will  leave  little  doubt  that  the 
Apocryphal  vvri  '.igs  formed  an  interesting  portion  of  the  lay,  as  well  as 
the  monkish  literature  of  our  forefathers.  There  is  a  Translation  of  the 
Gospel  of  Nicodemus  almost  coeval  with  the  origin  of  printing  in  Eng- 
land ;*  and  ancient  MSS.  of  the  Gospel  of  the  Infancy  are  still  extant  in 
the  Welsh  language  under  the  title  of  MaUnogi  Jesu  Grist. 

Concerning  any  genuineness  of  any  portion  of  the  work,  the  Editor  has 
not  offered  an  opinion,  nor  is  it  necessary  that  he  should.    The  brief  notice 

*  It  was  printed,  in  quarto,  first  by  ©WsnfegU  tie  JE&otm  in  1509,  next  by  3Jot)n  Sfeot 
in  1525,  by  the  same  printer  subsequently,  and  several  times  afterwards. 


XIV  PREFACE  TO  THE 

at  the  head  of  each  Gospel  directs  the  reader  to  its  source,  and  will  assist 
him  to  inquire  further,  and  form  an  opinion  for  himself.  Yet  respecting 
the  Epistles,  which  commence  at  page  91,  and  occupy  the  remaining 
two-thirds  of  the  volume,  the  Editor  would  call  attention  to  Archbishop 
Wake's  testimony.  The  pious  and  learned  Prelate  says,  that  these 
Epistles*  are  a  full  and  perfect  collection  of  "  all  the  genuine  writings 
that  remain  to  us  of  the  Apostolic  Fathers,  and  carry  on  the  antiquity  of 
the  Church  from  the  time  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament 
to  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  years  after  Christ ;  that  except  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  there  is  nothing  remaining  of  the  truly  genuine  Christian  an. 
tiquity  more  early  ;-|-  that  they  contain  all  that  can  with  any  certainty  be 
depended  upon  of  the  most  Primitive  Fathers,:}:  who  had  not  only  the  ad- 
vantage  of  living  in  the  apostolical  times,  of  hearing  the  holy  Apostles, 
and  conversing  with  them,  but  were  most  of  them  persons  of  a  very  emi- 
inent  character  in  the  church  too  ;§  that  we  cannot,  with  any  reason 
doubt  of  what  they  deliver  to  us  as  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  but  ought  to  re- 
ceive it,  if  not  with  equal  veneration,  yet  but  a  little  less  respect  than  we 
do  the  Sacred  Writings  of  those  who  were  there  masters  and  instructors;" 
and  "  if,"  says  the  Archbishop,  (who  translated  these  Epistles||),  "it  shal/ 
be  asked  how  I  came  to  choose  the  drudgery  of  a  translator,  rather  than 
the  more  ingenious  part  of  publishing  somewhat  of  my  own  composing? 
It  was,  in  short,  this ;  because  I  hoped  that  such  writings  as  these  would 
find  a  m.ore  general  and  unprejudiced  acceptance  with  all  sorts  of  men, 
than  anything  that  could  be  written  by  any  one  now  living." 

As  a  Literary  curiosity,  the  work  has  attracted  much  notice  ;  as  throw- 
ing a  light  upon  the  Arts  of  Design  and  Engraving,  it  has  already  been 
useful  to  the  Painter,  and  the  Collector  of  Pictures  and  Prints ;  and,  as 
relating  to  Theology,  it  has  induced  various  speculation  and  inquiry. 

But  the  Editor  has  been  charged  with  expressing  too  little  veneration 
for  the  Councils  of  the  Church.  He  feels  none.  It  is  true  that  respecting 
the  three  hundred  Bishops  assembled  at  the  Council  nf  Nice,  the  Emperor 
ConstantinelF  says,  that  what  was  approved  by  these  Bishops  could  be  no- 
thing less  than  the  determination  of  God  himself;  since  the  Holy  Spirit 
residing  in  such  great  and  worthy  souls,  unfolded  to  them  the  divine 
will.**  Yet  Sabinus,  the  Bishop  of  Heraclea,  affirms,  that  "  excepting 
Constantine  himself,  and  Eusebius  Pamphilus,  they  were  a  set  of  illiter- 
ate simple  creatures  that  understood  nothing;"  and  Pappus  seems  to  have 

*  Abp.  Wake's  Apostolical  Fathers,  Bagster's  Edition,  8vo.  1817,  Prelim.  Disc.  p.  106. 
+  Abp.  Wake's  Apostolical  Fathers,  Bagster's  Edition,  8vo.  Prelim.  Disc.  p.  120.  X  p- 
126.     §p.  128.      II  p.  155.      ^  Socrates  Schol.  Eccl.  Hist.  b.  i.  c.  0.      *»  Ibid.  c.  9. 


SECOND  EDITION.  XV 

estimated  them  very  low,  for  in  his  Synodicon  to  that  Council,  he  tells  us 
that  having  "  promiscuously  put  all  the  books  that  were  referred  to  the 
Council  for  determination,  under  the  communion  table  in  a  church,  they 
besought  the  Lord  that  the  inspired  writings  might  get  upon  the  tablei 
while  the  spurious  ones  remained  underneath,  and  that  it  happened  accord- 
ingly." A  commentator*  on  this  legend  suggests  that  nothing  less  than 
such  a  sight  could  sanctify  that  fiery  zeal  which  breathes  throughout  an 
edict  published  by  Constantine,  in  which  he  decrees  that  all  the  writings 
of  Arius  should  be  burned,  and  that  any  person  concealing  any  writing 
composed  by  him,  and  not  immediately  producing  it,  and  committing  it  to 
the  flames,  should  be  punished  with  death. f  Let  us,  with  the  illustrious 
Jortin,:}:  consider  a  council  called  and  presided  over  by  this  Barbarian 
Founder  of  the  church  militant :  by  what  various  motives  the  various 
Bishops  may  have  been  influenced  ;  as  by  reverence  to  the  Emperor,  or 
to  his  counsellors  and  favorites,  his  slaves  and  eunuchs  ;  by  the  fear  of 
offending  some  great  prelate,  as  a  Bishop  of  Rome  or  of  Alexandria,  who 
had  it  in  his  power  to  insult,  vex,  and  plague  all  the  Bishops  within  and 
without  his  jurisdiction  ;  by  the  dread  of  passing  for  Heretics,  and  of  being 
calumniated,  reviled,  hated,  anathematized,  excommunicated,  imprisoned, 
banished,  fined,  beggared,  starved,  if  they  refused  to  submit ;  b)'  compli- 
ance with  some  active,  leading  and  imperious  spirits  ;  by  a  deference  to 
the  majority  ;  by  a  love  of  dictating  and  domineering,  of  applause  and  re- 
spect; by  vanity  and  ambition  ;  by  a  total  ignorance  of  the  question  in 
debate,  or  a  total  indifference  about  it ;  by  private  friendships ;  by  enmi- 
ty and  resentment ;  by  old  prejudices  ;  by  hopes  of  gain  ;  by  an  indolent 
disposition ;  by  good  nature  ;  by  the  fatigue  of  attending,  and  a  desire  to 
be  at  home  ;  by  the  love  of  peace  and  quiet ;  and  a  hatred  of  contention, 
&c.§     Whosoever  takes  these  things  into  due  consideration  will  not  be 

*  Mace's  N.  Test.  p.  875. 

t  Socrates,  Schol.  Eccl.  Hist.  b.  i.  c.  9. 

{  Rem.  on  Eccl.  Hist.  vol.  ii.  p.  177. 

§  These  considerations  are  more  or  less  natural  on  becoming  acquainted  with  the  pro- 
ceedings of  every  Council,  from  that  of  Nice  to  that  of  Trent  in  the  year  1545,  which, 
Father  Paul  says,  was  for  divers  ends  and  by  divers  means,  procured  and  hastened,  hin- 
dered and  deferred,  for  two  and  twenty  years  ;  and,  for  eighteen  years  more,  was  some- 
times assembled  and  sometimes  dissolved.  Brent,  a  Translator  of  Paul's  History  of  that 
council,  says,."  it  would  be  infinite  to  relate  the  stratagems  the  Bishops  of  Rome  used 
to  divert  the  council  before  it  began,  their  postings  to  and  fro,  to  hinder  the  proposing  of 
those  things  which  they  thought  would  diminish  their  profit  or  pull  down  their  pride ;  and 
their  policies  to  enthral  the  prelates,  and  to  procure  a  majority  of  voices." 

It  is  stated  by  Guicciardini,  that,  "  as  the  priests  were  raised  step  by  step  to  earthly 
power,  they  cared  less  and  less  for  religious  precepts.  Using  their  spiritual  only  as  an 
instrument  of  their  temporal  authority,  their  business  was  no  more  sanctity  of  life,  in- 


XVI  PREFACE  TO  THE  SECOND  EDITION. 

disposed  to  pay  a  blind  deference  to  the  authority  of  General  Councils, 
but  will  rather  be  inclined  to  judge  that  "  the  Council  held  by  the  Apos- 
tles at  Jerusalem  v/as  the  first  and  the  last  in  which  the  Holy  Spirit  may 
be  affirmed  to  have  presided."* 

In  accommodation  to  this  opinion,  the  Church  of  England  compels  her 
Clergy  to  subscribe  to  the  following  among  the  thirty-nine  'Articles  of 
Religion  :'f  "  When  General  Councils  be  gathered  together  (forasmuch 
as  they  be  an  assembly  of  men,  whereof  all  be  not  governed  with  the 
Spirit  and  Will  of  God)  they  may  err,  and  sometimes  have  erred,  even  in 
things  pertaining  unto  God :  wherefore  things  ordained  by  them  as  ne- 
cessary to  salvation  have  neither  strength  nor  authority,  unless  it  may  be 
declared  that  they  be  taken  out  of  the  Holy  Scripture." 

After  eighteen  centuries  of  bloodshed  and  cruelties  perpetrated  in  the 
name  of  Christianity,  it  is  gradually  emerging  from  the  mystifying  subtle- 
ties of  Fathers,  Councils,  and  Hierarchies,  and  the  encumbering  edicts  ot 
Soldier-kings  and  Papal  decretals.  Charmed  by  the  loveliness  of  its  pri- 
mitive  simplicity,  every  sincere  human  heart  will  become  a  temple  for 
its  habitation,  and  every  man  become  a  priest  unto  himself.  Thus  and 
thus  only,  will  be  established  the  Religion  of  Him,  who,  having  the  same 
interest  v/ith  ourselves  in  the  welfare  of  mankind,  left  us,  for  the  rule  of 
our  happiness,  the  sum  and  substance  of  His  Code  of  peace  and  good  will : 
Whai^oet^er  ye  would  that,  men  should  do  to  you,  do  you  even  so  to  them. 

By  some  persons  of  the  multitude,  commonly  known  by  the  name  of 
Christians,  and  who  profess  to  suppose  they  do  God  service  by  calling 
themselves  so,  the  Editor  has  been  attacked  with  a  malignity  and  fury, 
that  would  have  graced  the  age  of  Mary  and  Elizabeth,  when  Catholics 
put  to  death  Protestants,  and  Protestants  put  to  death  Catholics,  for  the 
sake  of  Him  who  commanded  mankind  to  love  one  another.  To  these  as- 
sailants, he  owes  no  explanation  ;  to  the  craft  of  disingenuous  criticism; 
he  offers  no  reply  ;  to  the  bolt  of  the  Bigot,  and  the  shaft  of  the  Shrine- 
maker,  he  scarcely  condescends  the  opposition  of  a  smile. 

crease  of  religion,  and  love  and  charily  towards  their  neighbors ;  but  fomenting  wars 
among  Christians,  and  employing  all  arts  and  snares  to  scrape  money  together ;  and 
making  new  laws  against  the  people.  Hence  they  were  no  longer  respected,  although 
by  the  powerful  name  of  religion  they  maintained  their  authority,  being  helped  therein," 
says  Guicciardini,  "  by  the  faculty  which  they  have  of  gratifying  princes." — Guicciar- 
dini's  Hist.  b.  iv. 

*  Jortin's  Rem.  on  Eccl.  Hist.  vol.  ii.  p.  177.         t  Art  xxi. 


THE 


^pocrgpljal  Nm  ^tstamml 


The  GOSPEL  of  the  BIRTH  of  MARY. 

(In  the  primitive  ages  there  was  a  Gospel  extant  bearing  this  nnme,  attributed  to  St.  Matthew,  and  received 
as  genuine  and  atithentic  by  several  of  the  ancient  Christian  sects.  It  is  to  be  found  in  the  works  of 
Jerome,  a  Father  of  the  Church,  who  flourished  in  the  fourth  century,  from  whence  the  present  trans- 
lation is  made.  His  conteinporaries,  Epiphanius,  Bishop  of  Salamis,  and  Austin,  also  mention  a 
Cospel  under  this  title.  The  ancient  copies  differed  from  Jerome's,  for  from  one  of  them  the  learned 
Faustus,  a  native  of  Britain,  who  became  Bishop  of  Riez,  in  Provence,  endeavored  to  prove  that  Christ 
was  not  the  Son  of  God  till  after  his  baptism ;  and  that  he  was  not  of  the  house  of  David  and  tribe 
of  Judah,  because,  according  to  the  Gospel  he  cited,  the  Virgin  herself  was  not  of  this  tribe,  but  of  the 
tribe  of  Levi ;  her  father  being  a  priest  of  the  name  of  Joachim.  It  was  likewise  from  this  Gospel 
that  the  sect  of  Collyridians  established  the  worship  and  ofiering  of  manchet  bread  and  cracknels, 
or  fine  wafers,  as  sacrifices  to  Mary,  whom  tbcy  im;igined  to  have  been  born  of  a  vir"in,  as  Christ  if 
related  in  the  Canonical  Gospels  to  have  been  born  of  her.  Epiphanius  likewise  cites  a  nassa^e 
concerning  the  death  of  Zacharias,  which  is  not  in  Jeroiue's  copy,  viz. :  "  That  it  was  the  occasion 
of  the  death  of  Zacharias  in  the  temple,  that  when  he  had  seen  a  vision,  he,  through  surprise,  was 
willing  to  disclose  it,  and  his  mouth  was  stopped.  That  which  he  saw  was  at  the  time  of  his  oft'erin" 
incense,  and  it  was  a  man  standing  in  the  form  of  an  ass.  When  he  was  gone  out,  and  had  a  mind  to 
speak  thus  to  the  people,  ff^oe  unto  you,  whom  do  ye  worship  7  he  who  had  appeared  to  him  in  the 
temple  took  away  the  use  of  his  speech.  Afterwards,  when  he  recovered  it,  and  was  able  to  speak,  he 
declared  this  to  the  Jews,  and  they  slew  him.  They  add  (viz.  the  Gnostics  in  this  book,)  that  on  this 
very  account  the  high  priest  was  appointed  by  their  lawgiver  (by  God  to  Moses)  to  carry  little  bells, 
that  whensoever  he  went  into  the  temple  to  sacrifice,  he  whom  they  worshipped,  bearing  the  noise  of 
the  bells,  might  have  time  enough  to  hide  himself,  and  not  be  caught  in  that  ugly  shape  and  figure." 
The  principal  part  of  this  Gosuel  is  contained  in  the  Protevangelion  of  James,  which  follows  next  in 
order.  J 


CHAP.  1. 

1  The  pnrsntage  of  Mary.  7  Joachim  her  father, 
and  Anna  her  mother,  go  to  Jerusalem  to  the  feast 
of  the  dedication.  7  Issachar  the  high  priest  re- 
proaches Joachim  for  being  childless. 

THE  blessed  and  ever  glorious  Virgin 
Mary,  sprung  from  the  royal  race 
and  family  of  David,  was  born  in  the 
city  of  Nazareth,  and  educated  in  the 
temple  of  the  Lord. 

2  Her  father's  name  was  Joachim,  and 
her  mother's  Anna.  The  family  of  her 
father  was  of  Galilee  and  the  city  of 
Nazareth.  The  family  of  her  mother 
was  of  Bethlehem. 

3  Their  lives  were  plain  and  right  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  pious  and  faultless 
before  men.  For  they  divided  all  their 
substance  into  three  parts  : 

4  One  of  which  they  devoted  to  the 
temple  and  officers  of  the  temple ;  another 
they  distributed  among  strangers,  and 
persons  in  poor  circumstances ;  and  the  I 


third  they  reserved  for  themselves  and 
the  uses  of  their  own  family. 

5  In  this  manner  they  lived  for  about 
twenty  years  chastely,  in  the  favour  of 
God  and  the  esteem  of  men,  without  any 
children. 

6  But  they  vowed,  if  God  should  fa- 
vour them  with  any  issue,  they  would 
devote  it  to  the  service  of  the  Lord ;  on 
which  account  they  went  at  every  feast 
in  the  year  to  the  temple  of  the  Lord.* 

7  ir  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when 
the  feast  of  the  dedication  drew  near, 
Joachim,  with  some  others  of  his  tribe, 
went  up  to  Jerusalem,  and,  at  that  time, 
Issachar  was  high  priest ; 

8  Who,  when  he  saw  Joachim  along 
with  the  rest  of  his  neighbours,  bringing 
his  offerings,  despised  both  him  and  his 
offerings,  and  asked  him, 

9  Why  he,  who  had  no  children,  would 
presume  to  appear  among  those  who  had .' 


1 1  Sam.  i.  6,  7,  &c. 


An  angel  appears,  and 


Adding,  that  his  offerings  could  never  be 
acceptable  to  God,  who  was  judged  by 
him  unworthy  to  have  children ;  the 
Scripture  having  said,  Cursed  is  every 
one  who  shall  not  beget  a  male  in  Israel. 

10  He  further  said,  that  he  ought  first 
to  be  free  from  that  curse  by  begetting 
some  issue,  and  then  come  with  his  of- 
ferings into  the  presence  of  God. 

1 1  But  Joachim  being  much  confound- 
ed with  the  shame  of  such  reproach,  re- 
tired to  the  shepherds  who  were  with 
the  cattle  in  their  pastures ; 

12  For  he  was  not  inclined  to  return 
home,  lest  his  neighbours,  who  were 
present  and  heard  all  this  from  the  high 
priest,  should  publicly  reproach  him  in 
the  same  manner. 

CHAP.  n. 

1  All  angel  appears  to  Joachim,  9  and  informs  him 
that  Anna  shall  conceive  and  bring  forth  a  daugh- 
ter, who  shall  be  called  Mary,  11  be  brought  up 
in  the  temple,  li  and  while  yet  a  virgin,  in  a  way 
unparalleled,  bring  forth  the  Son  of  God  ;  13  gives 
him  a  sign,  14  and  departs. 

BUT  when  he  had  been  there  for 
some  time,  on  a  certain  day  when 
he  was  alone,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  stood 
by  him  with  a  prodigious  light, 

2  To  whom,  being  troubled  at  the  ap- 
pearance, the  angel  who  had  appeared  to 
him,  endeavoring  to  compose  him,  said : 

3  Be  not  afraid,  Joachim,  nor  troubled 
at  the  sight  of  me,  for  I  am  an  angel  of 
the  Lord,  sent  by  him  to  you,  that  I  might 
inform  you  that  your  prayers  are  heard, 
and  your  alms  ascended  in  the  sight  of 
God> 

4  For  he  hath  surely  seen  your  shame, 
and  heard  you  unjustl}'  reproached  for 
not  having  children ;  for  God  is  the 
avenger  of  sin,  and  not  of  nature. 

5  And  so  when  he  shuts  the  womb 
of  any  person,  he  does  it  for  this  reason, 
that  he  may  in  a  more  wonderful  manner 
open  it  again,  and  that  which  is  born  ap- 
pear to  be  not  the  product  of  lust,  but 
the  gift  of  God. 

6  For  the  first  mother  of  your  nation, 
Sarah,  was  she  not  barren  even  till  her 
eightieth  year .'  and  yet  even  in  the  end 
of  her  old  age  brought  forth  Isaac,  in 
whom  the  promise  was  made  of  a  bless- 
ing to  all  nations. ■= 

7  Rachel  also,  so  much  in  favour  with 
God,  and  beloved  so  much  by  holy  Jacob, 
continued  barren  for  a  long  time,  yet  af- 

b  Acts,  X.  4.    c  Gen.  xvi.  2,  &c.  and  xviii.  10,  &c, 

2 


MARY.  promises  Joachim  a  child. 


terwards  was  the  mother  of  Joseph,  who 
was  not  only  governor  of  Egypt,  but  de- 
livered many  nations  from  perishing  with 
hunger.'' 

8  Who,  among  the  judges,  was  more 
valiant  than  Sampson,  or  more  holy  than 
Samuel .'  And  yet  both  their  mothers 
were  barren.* 

9  But  if  reason  will  not  convince  you 
of  the  truth  of  my  words,  that  there  are 
frequent  conceptions  in  advanced  years, 
and  that  those  who  were  barren  have 
brought  forth  to  their  great  surprise ; 
therefore  Anna  your  wife  shall  bring 
you  a  daughter,  and  you  shall  call  her 
name  Mary. 

10  She  shall,  according  to  your  vow, 
be  devoted  to  the  Lord  from  her  infancy, 
and  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  from 
her  mother's  womb ;  ^ 

11  She  shall  neither  eat  nor  drink 
an3'thing  which  is  unclean,  nor  shall  her 
conversation  be  without  among  the  com- 
mon people,  but  in  the  temple  of  the 
Lord ;  that  .so  she  may  not  fall  under 
any  slander  or  suspicion  of  what  is  bad. 

12  So  in  the  process  of  her  years,  as 
she  shall  be  in  a  miraculous  manner 
born  of  one  that  was  barren,  so  she  shall, 
while  yet  a  virgin,  in  a  way  unparalleled, 
bring  forth  the  Son  of  the  Mo.st  High 
God,  who  shall  be  called  Jesus,  and,  ac- 
cording to  the  signification  of  his  name, 
be  the  Saviour  of  all  nations.^ 

1 3  And  this  shall  be  a  sign  to  you  of 
the  things  which  I  declare,  namely,  when 
you  come  to  the  golden  gate  of  Jerusa- 
lem, you  shall  there  meet  your  wife 
Anna,  who,  being  very  much  troubled 
that  you  returned  no  sooner,  shall  then 
rejoice  to  see  you. 

14  When  the  angel  had  said  this,  he 
departed  from  him. 

CHAP.  HI. 

1  The  angel  appears  to  Anna  ;  2  tells  her  a  daughter 
shall  be  born  unto  her,  3  devoted  to  the  service 
of  the  Lord  in  the  temple,  5  who,  being  a  virgin, 
and  not  knowing  man,  shall  bring  forth  the  Lord, 
6  and  gives  her  a  sign  thereof.  8  Joachim  and 
Anna  meet,  and  rejoice,  10  and  praise  the  Lord. 
11  Anna  conceives,  and  brings  forth  a  daughter 
called  Mary. 

AFTERWARDS  the  angel  appeared 
to  Anna  his  wife,  saying :  Fear 
not,  neither  think  that  which  you  see  is 
a  spirit ;'' 

2  For  I  am  that  angel  who  hath  of- 


d  Gen.  .\xx.  1 — 29,  and  xli.  1,  &c.  e  Judg.  xiii.  2, 
and  1  Sam.  i.  6,  &c.  fLuke,  i.  15.  gMatti.  21. 
b  Matt.  XIV.  26. 


Mary  horn,  and 


MARY. 


ministered  unto  by  angels. 


fered  up  your  prayers  and  alms  before 
God,  and  am  now  sent  to  you,  that  I  may 
inform  you  that  a  daughter  wiJl  be  born 
unto  you,  who  shall  be  called  Mary,  and 
shall  be  blessed  above  all  women.' 

3  She  shall  be,  immediately  upon  her 
birth,  full  of  the  grace  of  the  Lord,  and 
.=^hall  continue  during  the  three  years  of 
her  weaning  in  her  father's  house,  and 
afterwards,  being  devoted  to  the  service 
of  the  Lord,  shall  not  depart  from  the 
temple  till  she  arrives  to  years  of  discre- 
tion. 

4  In  a  word,  she  shall  there  serve  the 
Lord  night  and  day  in  fasting  and  prayer,'' 
shall  abstain  from  every  unclean  thing, 
and  never  know  any  man  ; 

5  But,  being  an  unparalleled  instance, 
without  any  pollution  or  defilement,  and 
a  virgin  not  knowing  any  man,  shall 
bring  forth  a  son,  and  a  maid  shall  bring 
forth  the  Lord,  who  both  by  his  grace 
and  name  and  works,  shall  be  the  Sav- 
iour of  the  world. 

6  Arise  therefore,  and  go  up  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  when  you  .shall  come  to  that 
which  is  called  the  golden  gate  (because 
it  is  gilt  with  gold),  as  a  sign  of  what  I 
have  told  you,  you  shall  meet  your  hus- 
band, for  whose  safety  you  have  been 
so  much  concerned. 

7  When  therefore  you  find  these  things 
thus  accomplished,  believe  that  all  the 
rest  which  I  have  told  you  shall  also 
undoubtedly  be  accomplished. 

8  IT  According  therefore  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  angel,  both  of  them  left  the 
places  where  they  were,  and  when  they 
came  to  the  place  specified  in  the  angel's 
prediction,  they  met  each  other. 

9  Then,  rejoicing  at  each  other's  vision, 
and  being  fully  satisfied  in  the  promise 
of  a  child,  they  gave  due  thanks  to  the 
Lord,  who  exalts  the  humble. 

]  0  After  having  praised  the  Lord,  they 
returned  home,  and  lived  in  a  cheerful 
and  assured  expectation  of  the  promise 
of  God. 

1 1  IT  So  Anna  conceived  and  brought 
forth  a  daughter,  and,  according  to  the 
angel's  command,  the  parents  did  call 
her  name  Mary. 

CHAP.  IV. 

1  Mary  brought  to  the  temple  at  three  years  old. 
6  Ascends  the  stairs  of  the  temple  by  miracle. 
8  Her  parents  sacrifice  and  return  home. 


Luke,  i.  28. 


k  Luke,  ii.  37 


AND  when  three  j'^ears  were  expired, 
and  the  time  of  her  weaning  com- 
plete, they  brought  the  Virgin  to  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  with  oflTerings. 

2  And  there  were  about  the  temple, 
according  to  the  fifteen  Psalms  of  De- 
grees,' fitteen  stairs  to  ascend. 

3  For  the  temple  being  built  in  a 
mountain,  the  altar  of  burnt- offerings, 
which  was  without,  could  not  be  come 
near  but  by  stairs. 

4  The  parents  of  the  blessed  Virgin 
and  infant  Mary  put  her  upon  one  of 
these  stairs ; 

5  But  while  they  were  putting  off' their 
clothes,  in  which  they  had  travelled,  and 
according  to  custom  putting  on  some  that 
were  more  neat  and  clean, 

6  In  the  mean  time  the  Virgin  of  the 
Lord  in  such  a  manner  went  up  all  the 
stairs,  without  the  help  of  any  one  to 
lead  her  or  lift  her,  that  any  one  would 
have  judged  from  hence,  that  she  was  of 
perfect  age. 

7  Thus  the  Lord  did,  in  the  infancy 
of  his  Virgin,  work  this  extraordinary 
work,  and  evidence  by  this  miracle  how 
great  she  was  like  to  be  hereafter. 

8  But  the  parents  having  offered  up 
their  sacrifice,  according  to  the  custom 
of  the  law,  and  perfected  their  vow,  left 
the  Virgin  with  other  virgins  in  the  apart- 
ments of  the  temple,  who  were  to  be 
brought  up  there,  and  they  returned 
home. 

CHAP.  V. 

2  Mary  ministered  unto  by  angels.  4  The  high  priest 
orders  all  virgins  of  fourteen  years  old  to  quit  the 
temple  and  endeavour  to  be  married.  5  Mary  re- 
fuses, 6  having  vowed  her  virginity  to  the  Lord. 
7  The  high  priest  commands  a  meeting  of  the 
chief  persons  of  Jerusalem,  n  who  seek  the  Lord 
for  counsel  in  the  matter.  13  A  voice  from  the 
mercy-seat.  16  The  high  priest  obeys  it  by  order- 
ing all  the  unmarried  men  of  the  house  of  David 
to  bring  their  rods  to  the  altar,  17  that  his  rod 
which  should  flower,  and  on  which  the  Spirit  of 
God  should  sit,  should  betroth  the  Virgin. 

BUT  the  Virgin  of  the  Lord,  as  she 
advanced  in  years,  increased  also 
in  perfections,  and  according  to  the  saj^- 
ing  of  the  Psalmist,  her  father  and  mo- 
ther forsook  her,  but  the  Lord  took  care 
of  her. 

2  For  she  every  day  had  the  conver- 
sation of  angels,  and  every  day  received 
visions  from  God,  which  preserved  her 

i  Those  Psalms  are  from  the  120th  to  the  134th, 
including  both. 

3 


A  voice  from  the  mercy-seat.  MARY. 


Mary  betrothed  to  Joseph. 


from  all  sorts  of  evil,  and  caused  her  to 
abound  with  all  good  things ; 

3  So  that  when  at  length  she  arrived 
to  her  fourteenth  year,  as  the  wicked 
could  not  lay  anj^thing  to  her  charge 
worthy  of  reproof,  so  all  good  persons, 
who  were  acquainted  with  her,  admired 
her  life  and  conversation. 

4  At  that  time  the  high  priest  made 
a  public  order.  That  all  the  virgins  who 
had  public  settlements  in  the  temple,  and 
were  come  to  this  age,  should  return 
home,  and,  as  they  were  now  of  a  proper 
maturity,  should,  according  to  the  custom 
of  their' country,  endeavour  to  be  married. 

5  To  which  command,  though  all  the 
other  virgins  readily  yielded  obedience, 
Mary  the  Virgin  of  the  Lord  alone  an- 
swered, that  she  could  not  comply  with  it, 

6  Assigning  these  reasons,  that  both 
she  and  her  parents  had  devoted  her  to 
the  .service  of  the  Lord ;  and  besides,  that 
she  had  vowed  virginity  to  the  Lord, 
which  vow  she  «'as  resolved  never  to 
break  through  by  lying  with  a  man. 

7  The  high  priest  being  hereby  brought 
into  a  difficulty, 

8  Seeing  he  durst  neither  on  the  one 
hand  dis.solve  the  vow,  and  di.sobey  the 
Scripture,  which  says,  Vow  and  pay," 

9  Nor  on  the  other  hand  introduce  a 
custom  to  which  the  people  were  stran- 
gers, commanded 

10  That  at  the  approaching  feast  all 
the  principal  persons  both  of  Jerusalem 
and  the  neighbouring  places  should  meet 
together,  that  he  might  have  their  advice 
how  he  had  best  proceed  in  so  difficult  a 
case. 

1 1  When  they  accordingly  met,  they 
unanimously  agreed  to  seek  the  Lord,  and 
ask  counsel  from  him  on  this  matter." 

12  And  when  they  were  all  engaged 
in  prayer,  the  high  priest,  according  to 
the  usual  way,  went  to  consult  God, 

1 3  And  immediately  there  was  a  voice 
from  the  ark  and  the  merc^^-seat,  which 
all  present  heard,  that  it  must  be  inquired 
or  sought  out  bj'  a  prophecy  of  Isaiah, 
to  whom  the  Virgin  should  be  given  and 
betrothed ; 

14  For  Isaiah  saith,  there  shall  come 
forth  a  rod  out  of  the  stem  of  Jesse,  and 
a  flower  shall  spring  out  of  its  root, 

15  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall 


>n  Eccles.  v.  4,  5,  6  and  Psalm  l.xxvi.  11. 

n  Num.;  xxvii.  21.  compared  with  Exod.  xxviii.  30. 
Lev.  viii.  8.  Dent,  xxxiii.  8.  Ezra,  ii.  63.  Nehem. 
vii.  65. 


rest  upon  him,  the  Spirit  of  Wisdom  and 
Understanding,  the  Spirit  of  Counsel  and 
Might,  the  Spirit  of  Knowledge  and  Pi- 
ety, and  the  Spirit  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
shall  fill  him. 

16  Then,  according  to  this  prophecy, 
he  appointed,  that  all  the  men  of  the 
house  of  David,  who  were  marriageable, 
and  not  married,  should  bring  their  seve- 
ral rods  to  the  altar, 

17  And  out  of  whatsoever  person's 
rod  after  it  was  brought,  a  flower  should 
bud  forth,  and  on  the  top  of  it  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  should  sit  in  the  appearance 
of  a  dove,  he  should  be  the  man  to  whom 
the  Virgin  should  be  given  and  be  be- 
trothed. 

CHAP.  VI. 

1  Joseph  draws  back  his  rod.  5  Tlie  dove  pitchet 
on  it.  6  He  betroths  Mary  and  returns  to  Beth- 
lehem. 7  Mary  returns  to  ber  parents'  house  at 
Gahlee. 

AMONG  the  rest  there  was  a  man 
named  Joseph,  of  the  house  and 
family  of  David,  and  a  person  very  far 
advanced  in  years,  who  drew  back  his 
rod,  when  every  one  besides  presented 
his. 

2  So  that  when  nothing  appeared 
agreeable  to  the  heavenly  voice,  the 
high  priest  judged  it  proper  to  consult 
God  again, 

3  W^ho  answered,  that  he  to  whom 
the  Virgin  was  to  be  betrothed  was  the 
only  person  of  those  who  were  brought 
together,  who  had  not  brought  his  rod. 

4  Joseph  therefore  was  betrayed. 

5  For,  when  he  did  bring  his  rod,  and 
a  dove  coming  from  HeaA'en  pitched 
upon  the  top  of  it,  every  one  plainly 
saw,  that  the  Virgin  was  to  be  betrothed 
to  him : 

6  Accordingly,  the  usual  ceremonies 
of  betrothing  being  over,  he  returned  to 
his  own  city  of  Bethlehem,  to  set  his 
ho'use  in  order,  and  make  the  needful 
provisions  for  the  marriage. 

7  But  the  Virgin  of  the  Lord,  Mary, 
with  seven  other  virgins  of  the  same  age, 
who  had  been  weaned  at  the  same  time, 
and  who  had  been  appointed  to  attend 
her  by  the  priest,  returned  to  her  parents' 
house  in  Galilee. 

CHAP.  VII. 

1  The  salutation  of  tlie  Virgin  by  Gabriel,  who  ex- 
plains to  her  that  she  shall  conceive,  without  lying 
with  a  man,  while  a  Virgin,  19  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
coming  upon  her  without  the  heats  of  lust.  21 
She  submits. 


Angel  Gabriel  salutes  Mary. 


MARY.  Joseph  wishes  to  put  her  away. 


NOW  at  this  time  of  her  first  coming 
into  Galilee,  the  angel  Gabriel  was 
sent  to  her  from  God,  to  declare  to  her 
the  conception  of  our  Saviour,  and  the 
manner  and  way  of  her  conceiving  him. 

2  Accordingly  going  in  to  her  he  fill- 
ed the  chamber  where  she  was  with  a 
prodigious  light,  and  in  a  most  courteous 
manner  saluting  her,  he  said, 

3  Hail,  Maiy  !  Virgin  of  the  Lord 
most  acceptable :  Oh  Virgin  full  of 
grace  !  The  Lord  is  with  you,  you  are 
blessed  above  all  women,  you  are  bless- 
ed above  all  men,  that  have  been  hitherto 
boru.° 

4  But  the  Virgin,  who  had  before  been 
well  acquainted  with  the  countenances 
of  angels,  and  to  whom  such  light  from 
heaven  was  no  uncommon  thing, 

5  Was  neither  terrified  with  the  vision 
of  the  angel,  nor  astonished  at  the  great- 
ness of  the  light,  but  only  troubled  about 
the  angel's  words ; 

6  And  began  to  consider  what  so  ex- 
traordinary a  salutation  should  mean, 
what  it  did  portend,  or  what  sort  of  end 
it  would  have.p 

7  To  this  thought  the  angel,  divinely 
inspired,  replies ; 

8  Fear  not,  Mary,  as  though  I  intend- 
ed anything  inconsistent  with  your  chas- 
tity in  this  salutation  : 

9  For  you  have  found  favour  with 
the  Lord,  because  you  made  virginity 
your  choice. 

10  Therefore  while  you  are  a  Virgin, 
you  shall  conceive  without  sin,  and  bring 
forth  a  son. 

11  He  shall  be  great,  because  he  shall 
reign  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  riv- 
ers even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.'' 

12  And  he  shall  be  called  the  Son  of 
the  Highest ;  for  he  who  is  born  in  a 
mean  state  on  earth,  reigns  in  an  exalted 
one  in  heaven. 

13  And  the  Lord  shall  give  him  the 
throne  of  his  father  David,  and  he  shall 
reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  for  ever, 
and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no 
end. 

1 4  For  he  is  the  King  of  Kings,  and 
Lord  of  Lords,  and  his  throne  is  for  ever 
and  ever. 

15  To  this  discourse  of  the  angel  the 
Virgin  replied,  not,  as  though  she  were 
unbeHeving,  but  willing  to  know  the 
manner  of  it, 

o  Luke,  i.  28.    P  Luke,  i.  39.    1  Luke,  i.  31,  &c. 


16  She  said,  How  can  that  be  ?  For 
seeing,  according  to  my  vow,  I  never 
have  known  airy  mein,  how  can  I  bear  a 
child  without  the  addition  of  a  man's 
seed  ? 

17  To  this  the  angel  replied  and  said. 
Think  not,  Mary,  that  you  shall  con- 
ceive in  the  ordinary  way. 

18  For,  without  lying  with  a  man, 
while  a  Virgin,  you  shall  conceive ;  while 
a  Virgin,  you  shall  bring  forth,  shall  give 
suck  : 

19  For  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  you,  and  the  power  of  the  Most 
High  shall  overshadow  you,  without  any 
of  the  heats  of  lust. 

20  So  that  which  shall  be  born  of 
you  shall  be  only  holy,  because  it  only 
is  conceived  without  sin,  and  being  born, 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God. 

21  Then  Mary  stretching  forth  her 
hands,  and  lifting  her  eyes  to  heaven, 
said.  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord  ! 
Let  it  be  unto  me  according  to  thy  word.' 

CHAP.  vni. 

1  Joseph  returns  to  Galilee  to  marry  the  Virgin  he 
had  betrothed  ;  4  perceives  she  is  with  child  ;  5  is 
uneasy  ;  7  purposes  to  put  her  away  privily  ;  8  is 
told  by  the  angel  of  the  Lord  it  is  not  the  work  of 
man  but  the  Holy  Ghost.  12  Marries  her,  but 
keeps  chaste  ;  13  removes  with  her  to  Bethlehem, 
15  where  she  brings  forth  Christ. 

JOSEPH  therefore  went  from  Judaea 
to  Galilee,  with  intention  to  marry 
the  Virgin  who  was  betrothed  to  him  ; 

2  For  it  was  now  near  three  months 
since  she  she  was  betrothed  to  him. 

3  At  length  it  plainly  appeared  that 
she  was  with  child,  and  it  could  not  be 
hid  from  Joseph : 

4  For  going  to  the  Virgin  in  a  free 
manner,  as  one  espoused,  and  talking 
familiarly  with  her,  he  perceived  her  to 
be  with  child, 

5  And  thereupon  began  to  be  uneasy 
and  doubtful,  not  knowing  what  course 
it  would  be  best  to  take  ; 

6  For  being  a  just  man,  he  was  not 
willing  to  expose  her,  nor  defame  her  by 
the  suspicion  of  being  a  whore,  since  he 
was  a  pious  man. 

7  He  purposed  therefore  privately  to 
put  an  end  to  their  agreement,  and  as 
privately  to  send  her  away. 

8  But  while  he  was  meditating  these 
things,"  behold  the  angel  of  the  Lord  ap- 


r  Luke,  i.  38. 


a  Matt.  i.  20. 
5 


Joseph  marries. 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


Joachim  offers. 


peared  to  him  in  his  sleep,  and  said,  Jo- 
seph, son  of  David,  fear  not ; 

9  Be  not  willing  to  entertain  any  sus- 
picion of  the  Virgin's  being  guilty  of  for- 
nication, or  to  think  anything  amiss  of 
her,  neither  be  afraid  to  take  her  to  wife  ; 

10  For  that  which  is  begotten  in  her, 
and  now  distresses  your  mind,  is  not  the 
work  of  man,  but  the  Holy  Ghost. 

1 1  For  she  of  all  women  is  that  only 
Virgin  who  shall  bring  forth  the  Son  of 
(rod,  and  you  shall  call  his  name  Jesus, 
that  is,  Saviour ;  for  he  will  save  his 
people  from  their  sins. 

12  Joseph  thereupon,  according  to  the 
command  of  the  angel,  married  the  Vir- 


gin, and  did  not  know  her,  but  kept  her 
in  chastity. 

13  And  now  the  ninth  month  from 
her  conception  drew  near,  when  Josejjh 
took  his  wife  and  what  other  things 
were  necessary  to  Bethlehem,  the  city 
from  whence  he  came. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  they 
were  there,  the  days  were  fulfilled  for 
her  bringing  forth. 

15  And  she  brought  forth  her  first- 
born son,  as  the  holy  Evangelists  have 
taught,  even  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  with  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost,  lives  and  reigns  to  everlasting 
ages. 


or,  An  .Historical  Account  of  the 
and   I  he  perpetual  VIRGIN  MARY 


The  PROTEVANGELION 
BIRTH  OF  CHRIST, 

his  Mother,  by  JAMES  the  Lesser,  Cousin  and  Brother  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  chief  x\postle  and   first  Bishop  of  the  Chris 
tians  in  Jerusalem. 


fThii  Gosjiel  is  nscribed  to  James.  The  uUusioiis  to  it  in  the  ancient  Fathers  are  frequent,  and  their  ex- 
pressions indicate  that  it  Ijad  obtained  a  very  general  credit  in  the  Christian  world.  The  controversies 
founded  upon  it  chiefly  relate  to  the  a;re  of  Joseph  at  the  birth  of  C!lri^t,  and  to  his  being  a  widower, 
with  cliildren,  before  his  marriage  witli  the  Virgin.  It  seems  material  to  remark,  that  the  legends  of 
the  latter  ages  affirm  the  virginity  of  Joseph,  notwithstanding  Epiphaniiis,  Hilary,  Chrysostom,  Cyril, 
Euthymius,  Theophylcict,  Oecumenius,  and  indeed  all  the  Latin  Fathers  till  .\mhrose,  and  the  Greek 
Fathers  afterwards,  maintain  the  opinions  of  Joseph's  age  and  family,  founded  upon  their  belief  in  the 
authenticity  of  this  book.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  originally  composed  in  Hebrew.  Post«llus 
brought  the  MS.  of  this  Gospel  from  the  Levant,  translated  it  into  Latin,  and  sent  it  to  Ojiorinus,  a 
printer  at  Basil,  where  Bibliander,  a  Protestant  divine,  and  the  Professor  of  Divinity  at  Zurich,  caused 
It  to  be  printed  in  155i.  Postellus  asserts,  that  it  was  publicly  read  as  Canonical  in  the  Eastern 
Churches,  they  making  no  doubt  that  James  was  the  author  of  it.  It  i<,  nevertheless,  considered  apo- 
cryphal by  some  of  the  most  learned  divines  in  the  Protestant  and  Catholic  churches.] 


CHAP.  I. 

1  Joachim,  a  rich  man,  offers  to  the  Lord  ;  2  is 
opposed  by  Reuben  the  high  priest,  because  he  has 
not  begotten  issue  in  Israel ;  0  retires  into  the  wil- 
derness and  fasts  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

IN  the  history  of  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel  we  read  there  was  a  certain 
person  called  Joachim,  who  being  very 
rich,  made  double*  offerings  to  the  Lord 
God,  having  made  this  resolution;  my 
substance  shall  be  for  the  benefit  of  the 
whole  people,  and  that  I  may  find  mercy 
from  the  Lord  God  for  the  forgiveness  of 
sins. 

2  But  at  a  certain  great  feast  of  the 


a  That  is,  gave  as  much  more  as  he  was  oblig 
to  give. 


Lord,  when  the  children  of  Israel  ofiiered 
their  gifts,  and  Joachim  also  offered  his, 
Reuben  the  high  priest  opposed  him, 
saying.  It  is  not  lawful  for  thee  to  ofl'er 
thy  gifts,  seeing  thou  hast  not  begot  any 
issue  in  Israel. 

3  At  this  .Joachim  being  concerned 
very  much,  went  away  to  consult  the 
registries  of  the  twelve  tribes,  to  see 
whether  he  was  the  only  person  who 
had  begot  no  issue. 

4  But  upon  inquiry  he  found,  that  all 
the  righteous  had  raised  up  seed  in  Is- 
rael : 

5  Then  he  called  to  mind  the  patri- 
arch Abraham,  how  that  God  in  the  end 
of  his  life  had  given  him  his  son  Isaac ; 


Anna  mourns 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


her  barrenness. 


upon  which  he  was  exceedingly  dis- 
tressed, and  would  not  be  seen  by  his 
wife ; 

6  But  retired  into  the  wilderness,  and 
fixed  his  tent  there,  and  fasted  forty  days 
and  forty  niglits,  saying  to  himself, 

7  I  will  not  go  down  either  to  eat  or 
drink,  till  the  Lord  my  God  shall  look 
down  upon  me  ;  but  prayer  shall  be  my 
meat  and  drinks 

CHAP.  n. 

1  Anna,  the  wife  of  Joachim,  inonrns  her  barrenness  ; 
6  is  reproached  with  it  by  Judith  her  maid  ;  9  sits 
under  a  laurel  tree,  and  prays  to  the  Lord. 

IN  the  mean  time  his  wife  Anna  was 
distressed  and  perplexed  on  a  double 
account,  and  said,  I  will  mourn  both  for 
my  widowhood  and  my  barrenness. 

2  Then  drew  near  a  great  feast  of  the 
Lord,  and  Judith  her  maid  said.  How 
long  will  you  thus  afflict  your  soul .' 
The  feast  of  the  Lord  is  now  come, 
when  it  is  unlawful  for  any  one  to 
mourn. 

3  Take  therefore  this  hood  which  was 
given  me  i)y  one  who  makes  such  things, 
for  it  is  not  fit  that  I,  who  am  a  servant, 
should  wear  it,  but  it  well  suits  a  per- 
son of  your  greater  character. 

4  But  Anna  replied,  Depart  from  me, 
I  am  not  used  to  such  things  ;  besides, 
the  Lord  hath  greatly  humbled  me. 

5  I  fear  some  ill-designing  person  hath 
given  thee  this,  and  thou  art  come  to  pol- 
lute me  with  thy  sin. 

6  Then  Judith  her  maid  answered, 
What  evil  shall  I  wish  you,  since  you 
will  not  hearken  to  me  .' 

7  I  cannot  wish  you  a  greater  curse 
than  you  are  under,  in  that  God  hath 
shut  up  your  womb,  that  you  should 
not  be  a  mother  in  Israel. 

8  At  this  Anna  was  exceedingly  trou- 
bled, and  having  on  her  wedding  gar- 
ment, went  about  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  to  walk  in  her  garden. 

9  And  she  saw  a  laurel  tree,  and  sat 
under  it,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  say- 
ing, 

10  0  God  of  my  fathers,  bless  me  and 
regard  my  prayer,  as  thou  didst  bless  the 
womb  of  Sarah,  and  gavest  her  a  son 
IsaaC^ 


b  In  imitation  of  the  forty  days'  and  nights'  fast 
of  Moses,  recorded  Exod.  xxiv.  18.  xxxiv.  28.  Deut. 
ii.  9 ;  of  Elijah,  1  Kings,  xix.  8 ;  and  Christ" s,  Matt. 
iv.  2.  c  Gen.  xxi.  2. 


CHAP.  HI 

1  A«na,  perceiving  a  sparrow's  nest  in  the  laurel, 
bemoans  her  barrenness. 

AND  as   she   was   looking   towards 
heaven,  she  perceived  a  sparrow's 
nest  in  the  laurel, 

2  And  mourning  within  herself,  she 
said.  Wo  is  me:  who  begat  me.'  and 
what  womb  did  bare  me,  that  I  should  be 
thus  accursed  before  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, and  that  they  should  reproach  and 
deride  me  in  the  temple  of  my  God  : 
Wo  is  me,  to  what  can  I  be  compared  .' 

3  I  am  not  comparable  to  the  very 
beasts  of  the  earth,  for  even  the  beasts  of 
the  earth  are  fruitful  before  thee,  0 
Lord !  Wo  is  me,  to  what  can  I  be  com- 
pared ? 

4  I  am  not  comparable  to-  the  brute 
animals,  for  even  the  brute  animals  are 
fruitful  before  thee,  0  Lord  !  Wo  is  me, 
to  what  am  I  comparable  ? 

5  I  cannot  be  compared  to  these  wa- 
ters, for  even  the  waters  are  fruitful  be- 
fore thee,  O  Lord !  Wo  is  me,  to  what 
can  I  be  compared  ? 

6  I  am  not  comparable  to  the  waver? 
of  the  sea;  for  these,  whether  they  are 
calm,  or  in  motion,  with  the  fishes  which 
are  in  them,  praise  thee,  0  Lord  !  Wo  is 
me,  to  what  can  I  be  compared  .' 

7  I  am  not  comparable  to  the  very 
earth,  for  the  earth  produces  its  fruits, 
and  praises  thee,  O  Lord  1 

CHAP.  IV. 

1  An  angel  appears  to  Anna,  and  tells  her  she  shall 
conceive  ;  3  two  angels  appear  to  her  on  the  same 
errand.  5  Joachim  sacrifices.  8  Anna  goes  to 
meet  him,  9  rejoicing  that  she  shall  conceive. 

THEN  an  angel  of  the  Lord  stood  by 
her,  and  said,  Anna,  Anna,  the 
Lord  hath  heard  thy  prayer  ;  thou  shalt 
conceive  and  bring  forth,  and  thy  pro- 
geny shall  be  spoken  of  in  all  the 
world. 

2  And  Anna  answered.  As  the  Lord 
my  God  liveth,  whatever  I  bring  forth, 
whether  it  be  male  or  female,  I  will  de- 
vote it  to  the  Lord  my  God,  and  it  shall 
minister  to  him  in  holy  things,  during  its 
whole  life. 

3  And  behold  there  appeared  two  an- 
gels, saying  unto  her.  Behold  Joachim 
th)^  husband  is  coming  with  his  shep- 
herds, 

4  For  an  angel  of  the  Lord  hath  also 
come  down  to  him,  and  said,  The  Lord 


Joachim  offers. 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


Mary  bom. 


God  hath  heaxd  thy  prayer,  make  haste 
and  go  hence,  for  behold  Anna  thy  wife 
shall  conceive. 

5  And  Joachim  went  down  and  called 
his  shepherds,  saying.  Bring  me  hither 
ten  she-lambs  without  spot  or  blemish, 
and  they  shall  be  for  the  Lord  my  God  ; 

6  And  bring  me  twelve  calves  with- 
out blemish,  and  the  twelve  calves  shall 
be  for  the  priests  and  the  elders. 

7  Bring  me  also  a  hundred  goats,  and 
the  hundred  goats,  shall  be  for  the  whole 
people. 

8  And  Joachim  went  down  with  the 
shepherds,  and  Anna  stood  by  the  gate, 
and  saw  Joachim  coming  with  the  shep- 
herds, 

9  And  she  ran,  and  hanging  about  his 
neck,  said.  Now  I  know  mat  the  Lord 
hath  greatly  blessed  me ; 

10  For  behold,  I  who  was  a  widow 
am  no  longer  a  widow,  and  I  who  was 
barren  shall  conceive. 

CHAP.  V. 

1  Joachim  abides  the  first  day  in  his  house,  but  sa- 
crifices on  the  morrow  ;  2  consults  the  plate  on  the 
priest's  forehead,  3  and  is  without  sin.  6  Anna 
brings  forth  a  daughter,  9  whom  she  calls  Mary. 

AND  Joachim  abode  the  first  day  in 
his  house,  but  on  the  morrow  he 
brought  his  offerings,  and  said, 

2  If  the  Lord  be  propitious  to  me,  let 
the  plate  which  is  on  the  priest's  fore- 
head'' make  it  manifest. 

3  And  he  consulted  the  plate  which 
the  priest  wore,  and  saw  it,  and  behold 
sin  was  not  found  in  him. 

4  And  Joachim  said,  Now  I  know  that 
the  Lord  is  propitious  to  me,  and  hath 
taken  away  all  my  sins. 

5  And  he  went  down  from  the  tem- 

Ele  of  the  Lord  justified,  and  he  went  to 
is  own  house. 

6  And  when  nine  months  were  ful- 
filled to  Anna,  she  brought  forth,  and 
said  to  the  midwife.  What  have  I  brought 
forth  .> 

7  And  she  told  her,  A  girl. 

8  Then  Anna  said.  The  Lord  hath 
this  day  magnified  my  soul ;  and  she  laid 
her  in  bed. 

9  And  when  the  days  of  her  purifi- 
cation were  accomplished,  she  gave 
suck  to  the  child,  and  called  her  name 
Mary. 

d  Such  an  instrument  God  had  appointed  the  high 
priest  to  wear  for  such  discoveries.  See  Exod.  xxviii. 
36,  &c.,  and  Speneer  de  Uvim  et  Thummim. 


CHAP.  VL 


1  Mary  at  nine  months  oH,  walks  nme  steps  ;  3  Anna 
keeps  her  holy  ;  4  when  she  is  a  year  old,  Joachim 
makes  a  great  feast;  7  Anna  gives  her  the  breast, 
and  sings  a  song  to  the  Lord. 

AND  the  child  increased  in  strength 
every  day,  so  that  when  she  was 
nine  months  old,  her  mother  put  her  upon 
the  ground  lo  try  if  she  could  stand  ;  and 
when  she  had  walked  nine  steps,  she 
came  again  to  her  mother's  lap. 

2  Then  her  mother  caught  her  up, 
and  said.  As  the  Lord  my  God  liveth, 
thou  shalt  not  walk  again  on  this  earth, 
till  I  bring  the  into  the  temple  of  the 
Lord. 

3  Accordingly  she  made  her  chamber 
a  holy  place,  and  suffered  nothing  com- 
mon or  unclean  to  come  near  her,  but 
invited  certain  undefiled  daughters  of  Is- 
rael, and  they  drew  her  aside. 

4  But  when  the  child  was  a  year  old, 
Joachim  made  a  great  feast,  and  invited 
the  priests,  scribes,  elders,  and  all  the 
people  of  Israel ; 

5  And  Joachim  then  made  an  ofTering 
of  the  girl  to  the  chief  priests,  and  they 
blessed  her,  saying,  The  God  of  our  fa- 
thers bless  this  girl,  and  give  her  a  name 
famous  and  lasting  through  all  genera- 
tions. And  all  the  people  repUed,  So  be 
it,  Amen : 

6  Then  Joachim  a  second  time  offered 
her  to  the  priests,  and  they  blessed  her, 
saying,  O  most  high  God,  regard  this 
girl,  and  bless  her  with  an  everlasting 
blessing. 

7  Upon  this  her  mother  took  her  up, 
and  gave  her  the  breast,  and  sung  the 
following  song  to  the  Lord  / 

8  I  will  sing  a  song  unto  the  Lord  my 
God,  for  he  hath  visited  me,  and  taken 
away  from  me  the  reproach  of  mine  en- 
emies, and  hath  given  me  the  fruit  of  his 
righteousness,  that  it  may  now  be  told 
to  the  sons  of  Reuben,  that  Anna  gives 
suck. 

9  Then  she  put  the  child  to  rest  in 
the  room  which  she  had  consecrated, 
and  she  went  out  and  ministered  unto 
them. 

10  And  when  the  feast  was  ended, 
they  went  away  rejoicing,  and  praising 
the  God  of  Israel. 

CHAP.  VII. 

3  Mary  being  three  years  old,  Joachim  causes  cer- 
tain virgins  to  light  each  a  lamp,  and  goes  with 

e  Compare  1  Sara.  ii.  1,  &c.,  with  Luke,  i.  46. 


Mary  fed 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


hy  Angels. 


her  to  the  temple.  5  The  high  priest  places  her 
on  the  third  step  of  the  altar,  and  she  dances  with 
her  feet. 

BUT  the  girl  grew,  and  when  she  was 
two  years  old,  Joachim  said  to 
Anna,  Let  us  lead  her  to  the  temple  of 
the  Lord,  that  we  may  perform  our  vow, 
which  we  have  vowed  unto  the  Lord 
God,  lest  he  should  be  angry  with  us, 
and  our  offering  be  unacceptable. 

2  But  Anna  said.  Let  us  wait  the  third 
year,  lest  she  should  be  at  a  loss  to  know 
her  father.  And  Joachim  said,  Let  us 
then  wait. 

3  And  when  the  child  was  three  years 
old,  Joachim  said.  Let  us  invite  the 
daughters  of  the  Hebrews,  who  are  un- 
(ieiiled,  and  let  them  take  each  a  lamp, 
and  let  them  be  lighted,  that  the  child 
may  not  turn  back  again,  and  her  mind 
be  set  against  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

4  And  they  did  thus  till  they  ascend- 
ed into  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  And  the 
high  priest  received  her,  and  blessed  her, 
and  said,  Mary,  the  Lord  God  hath  mag- 
nified thy  name  to  all  generations,  and  to 
the  very  end  of  time  by  thee  will  the 
Lord  shew  his  redemption  to  the  children 
of  Israel. 

5  And  he  placed  her  upon  the  third 
step  of  the  altar,  and  the  Lord  gave  unto 
her  grace,  and  she  danced  with  her  feet, 
and  all  the  house  of  Israel  loved  her. 

CHAP.  vni. 

2  Mary  fed  in  tlie  temple  by  angels  :  3  when  twelve 
years  old,  the  priests  consult  what  to  do  with  her. 
fi  The  angel  of  the  Lord  warns  Zacharios  to  call 
together  all  t!--  widowers,  each  bringing  a  rod.  7 
The  people  meet  by  sound  of  trumpet.  8  Joseph 
throws  away  his  hatchet,  and  goes  to  the  meeting  ; 
11  a  dove  comes  forth  from  his  rod,  and  alights 
on  his  head.  ]'2  He  is  chosen  to  betroth  the  Vir- 
gin ;  13  refuses,  because  he  is  an  old  man  :  15  is 
compelled;  16  takes  her  home,  and  goes  to  mind 
his  trade  of  building. 

AND  her  parents  went  away,  filled 
with  wonder,  and  praising  God, 
because  the  girl  did  not  return  back  to 
them. 

2  But  Mary  continued  in  the  temple, 
as  a  dove  educated  there,  and  received 
her  food  from  the  hand  of  an  angel. 

3  And  when  she  was  twelve  years  of 
age,  the  priests  met  in  council,  and  said, 
Behold,  Mary  is  twelve  years  of  age; 
what  shall  we  do  with  her,  for  fear  lest 
the  holy  place  of  the  Lord  our  God  sliould 
be  defiled  .' 

4  Then  replied  the  priests  to  Zacha- 
rias  the  high  priest,  Do  you  stand  at  the 


altar  of  the  Lord,  and  enter  into  the  holy 
place,  and  make  petitions  concerning  her, 
and  whatsover  the  Lord  shall  manifest 
unto  you,  that  do. 

5  Then  the  high  priest  entered  into 
the  Holy  of  Hohes,  and  taking  away 
with  him  the  breast-plate  of  judgment,'" 
made  prayers  concerning  her  ; 

G  And"  behold  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
came  to  him,  and  said,  Zacharias,  Zacha- 
rias,  go  forth  and  call  together  all  the 
widowers  among  tlie  people,  and  let 
every  one  of  them  bring  his  rod,  and  he 
by  whom  the  Lord  shall  shew  a  sign, 
shall  be  the  husband  of  Ivlary. 

7  And  the  criers  went  out  tbrough  all 
Judffla,  and  the  trumpet  of  the  Lord 
sounded,  and  all  the  people  ran  and  met 
together. 

8  IT  Joseph  also,  throwing  away  his 
hatchet,  went  out  to  meet  them  ;  and 
when  they  were  met,  they  v.'ent  to  the 
high  priest,  taking  every  man  his  rod. 

9  After  the  high  priest  had  received 
their  rods,  he  went  into  the  temple  to 
pray; 

10  And  when  he  had  finished  his 
prayer,  he  took  the  rods,  and  went  forth 
and  distributed  them,  and  there  was  no 
miracle  attended  them. 

1 1  The  last  rod  was  taken  by  Joseph, 
and  behold,  a  dove  proceeded  out  of  the 
rod,  and  flev^-  upon  the  head  of  Joseph. 

12  And  the  high  priest  said,  Joseph, 
Thou  art  the  person  chosen  to  take  the 
Virgin  of  the  Lord,  to  keep  her  for 
him  ; 

13  But  Joseph  refused,  saying,  I  am 
an  old  man,  and  have  children,  but  she 
is  young,  and  I  fear  lest  I  should  appear 
ridiculous  in  Israel. 

1 4  Then  the  high  priest  replied,  Jo- 
seph, Fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  re- 
rnem.ber  how  God  dealt  Avith  Dathan, 
Korah,  and  Abiram,how  the  earth  open- 
ed and  swallowed  them  up,  because  of 
their  contradiction. 

15  Now  therefore,  Joseph,  fear  God, 
lest  the  like  things  should  happen  in  your 
famil3^ 

16  Joseph  then  being  afraid,  tool?  her 
unto  his  house,  and  Joseph  said  unto 
Mary,  Beliold,  I  have  taken  thee  from 
the  temple  of  liie  Lord,  and  now  I  will 
leave  thee  in  my  house;  I  must  go  to 
mind  my  trade  of  building.  The  Lord 
be  with  thee. 

f  See  Exod.  xxviii.  23,  &c. 


Mary  spins 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


the  true  purfle. 


CHAP.  IX. 


1  The  priests  desire  a  new  veil  for  the  Temple ;  3 
seven  virgins  cast  lots  for  making  different  parts 
of  it;  4  the  lot  to  spin  the  true  purple  falls  to 
Mary.  5  Zacharias,  the  high  priest,  becomes 
dumb.  7  Mary  takes  a  pot  to  draw  water,  and 
hears  a  voice;  8  trembles,  and  begins  to  work. 
9  An  angel  apjiears  to  her,  and  salutes  her,  and 
tells  her  she  shall  conceive  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  17 
she  submits,  19  visits  her  cousin  Elizabeth,  21 
whose  child  in  her  womb  leaps. 

AND  it  came  to  pas.s,  in  a  council  of 
the  priests,  it  was  said,  Let  us  make 
a  new  veil  for  the  Temple  of  the  Lord. 

2  And  the  high  priest  said,  Call  to- 
gether 1o  me  seven  undefiled  virgins  of 
the  tribe  of  David. 

3  And  the  servants  went  and  brought 
them  into  the  Temple  of  the  Lord ;  and 
the  high  priest  said  to  them,  Cast  lots 
before  me  now,  who  of  you  shall  spin 
the  golden  thread,  who  the  blue,  who 
the  scarlet,  who  the  fine  linen,  and  who 
the  true  purple. 

4  Then  the  high  priest  knew  Mary, 
that  she  was  of  the  tribe  of  David ;  and 
he  called  her,  and  the  true  purple  fell  to 
her  lot  to  spin,  and  she  went  away  to 
her  own  house. 

5  But  from  that  time  Zacharias  the 
high  priest  became  dumb,  and  Samuel 
was  placed  in  his  room  till  Zacharias 
spoke  again. 

6  But  IVIary  took  the  true  purple,  and 
did  spin  it. 

7  ^  And  she  took  a  pot,  and  went  out 
to  draw  Avater,  and  heard  a  voice  saying 
unto  her,  Hail  thou  who  art  full  of 
grace,?  the  Lord  is  still  with  thee;  thou 
art  blessed  among  women. 

8  And  she  looked  round  to  the  right 
and  to  the  left  (to  see)  whence  that  voice 
came,  and  then  trembling  went  into  her 
house,  and  laying  down  the  water-pot, 
she  took  the  purple,  and  sat  down  in  her 
seat  to  work  it. 

9  And  behold  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
stood  by  her,  and  said.  Fear  not,  Mary, 
for  thou  hast  found  favour  in  the  sight 
of  God. 

10  Which  when  she  heard,  she  rea- 
soned with  herself  what  that  sort  of 
salutation  meant. 

11  And  the  angel  said  unto  her,  The 
Lord  is  with  thee,  and  thou  shall  con- 
ceive. 

12  To  which  she  replied.  What !  shall 
I  conceive  by  the  living  God,  and  bring 
forth  as  all  other  women  do  ? 


10 


g  Luke,  i.  28,  fcc. 


13  But  the  angel  returned  answer. 
Not  so,  O  Mary,  but  the  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of 
the  Most  High  shall  overshadow  thee ; 

14  Wherefore  that  which  shall  be 
born  of  thee  shall  be  holy,  and  shall  be 
called  the  Son  of  the  Living  God,  and 
thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus ;  for  he 
shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins. 

15  And  behold  thy  cou.sin  Elizabeth, 
she  also  hath  conceived  a  son  in  her  old 
age. 

16  And  tliis  now  is  the  sixth  month 
with  her,  who  was  called  barren;  for 
nothing  is  impossible  with  God. 

17  And  Mary  said,  Behold  the  hand- 
maid of  the  Lord ;  let  it  be  unto  me  ac- 
cording to  thy  word. 

18  IT  And  when  she  had  wrought  her 
purple,  she  carried  it  to  the  high  priest, 
and  the  high  priest  blessed  her,  saying, 
Mary,  the  Lord  God  hath  magnified  thy 
name,  and  thou  shalt  be  blessed  in  all 
the  ages  of  the  world. 

19  Then  Mary,  filled  with  joy,  went 
awa}'  to  her  cousin  Elizabeth,  and 
knocked  at  the  door ; 

20  Which  when  Elizabeth  heard,  she 
ran  and  opened  to  her,  and  blessed  her, 
and  said.  Whence  is  this  to  me,  that  the 
mother  of  my  Lord  should  come  unto 
me  .' 

21  For  lo  !  as  soon  as  the  voice  of 
thy  salutation  reached  my  ears,  that 
which  is  in  me  leaped  and  blessed  thee. 

22  But  Mary,  being  ignorant  of  all 
those  my.sterious  things  which  the  arch- 
angel Gabriel  had  spoken  to  her,  lifted 
up  her  eyes,  and  said.  Lord  I  what  am 
I,  that  all  the  generations  of  the  earth 
should  call  me  blessed  ?^ 

23  But  perceiving  herself  daily  to 
grow  big,  and  being  afraid,  she  went 
home,  and  hid  herself  from  the  children 
of  Israel ;  and  was  fourteen  years  old 
when  all  these  things  happened. 

CHAP.  X. 

1  Joseph  returns  from  building  houses,  finds  the  Vir- 
gin grown  big,  being  six  months  gone  with  child  ; 
2  is  jealous  and  troubled ;  8  reproaches  her.  10 
She  artirms  her  innocence.  13  He  leaves  her; 
IG  determines  to  dismiss  her  privily  ;  17  is  warned 
in  a  dream  that  Mary  is  with  child  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  20  and  glorifies  God,  wJio  hath  bhown  him 
such  favour. 

AND  wlien  her  sixtli  month  was  come, 
Joseph  returned  from  his  building 
houses  abroad,  which  was  his  trade,  and 

h  Luke,  i.  48, 


Joseph' t  jealeuey 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


and  trial. 


entering  into  the  house,  found  the  Virgin 
grown  Dig. 

2  Then  smiting  upon  his  face,  he  said, 
With  what  face  can  I  look  up  to  the 
Lord  my  God  ?  or  what  shall  I  say  con- 
cerning this  young  woman  ? 

3  For  I  received  her  a  Virgin  out  of 
the  temple  of  the  Loid  my  God,  and  have 
not  preserved  her  such  ! 

4  Who  has  thus  deceived  me  ?  Who 
has  committed  this  evil  in  my  house,  and 
seducing  the  Virgin  from  me,  hath  defiled 
her? 

5  Is  not  the  history  of  Adam  exactly 
accomplished  in  me  ? 

6  For  in  the  very  instant  of  his  glory, 
the  serpent  came  and  found  Eve  alone, 
and  seduced  her. 

7  Just  after  the  same  manner  it  has 
happened  to  me. 

8  Then  Joseph,  arising  from  the 
ground,  called  her,  and  said,  0  thou  who 
hast  been  so  much  favoured  by  God,  why 
hast  thou  done  this .' 

9  Why  hast  thou  debased  thy  soul, 
who  wast  educated  in  the  Hoty  of  Ho- 
lies, and  received  thy  food  from  the  hand 
of  angels  ? 

10  But  she,  with  a  flood  of  tears,  re- 
plied, I  am  innocent,  and  have  known 
no  man. 

11  Then  said  Joseph,  How  comes  it 
to  pass  you  are  with  child  .' 

12  Mary  answered,  As  the  Lord  my 
God  liveth,  I  know  not  by  what  means. 

13  IT  Then  Joseph  was  exceedingly 
afraid,  and  went  away  from  her,  consi- 
dering what  he  should  do  with  her ;  and 
he  thus  reasoned  with  himself :' 

14  If  I  conceal  her  crime,  I  shall  be 
found  guilty  by  the  law  of  the  Lord ; 

15  And  if  I  discover  her  to  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  I  fear,  lest  she  being  with 
child  by  an  angel,  I  shall  be  found  to 
betray  an  innocent  person  : 

16  What  therefore  shall  I  do  .'  I  will 
privily  dismiss  her. 

17  Then  the  night  was  come  upon 
him,  when  behold  an  angel  of  the  Lord 
appeared  to  him  in  a  dream,  and  said, 

18  Be  not  afraid  to  take  that  young 
woman,  for  that  which  is  within  her  is 
of  the  Holy  Ghost ; 

19  And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son, 
and  thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus,  for 
he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins. 

20  Then  Joseph  arose  from  his  sleep, 

i  See  Matt.  i.  18. 


and  glorified  the  God  of  Israel,  who  had 
shown  him  such  favour,  and  preserved 
the  Virgin. 

CHAP.  XL 

I  Annas  visits  Joseph ;  3  perceives  the  Virgin  big 
with  child  ;  4  informs  the  high  priest  that  Joseph 
had  privately  married  her.  8  Joseph  and  Mary 
brought  to  trial  on  the  cliarge.  17  Joseph  drinks 
the  water  of  the  Lord  as  an  ordeal,  and  receiving 
no  harm,  returns  home. 

THEN  came  Annas  the  scribe,  and 
said  to  Joseph,  Wherefore  have 
we  not  seen  you  since  your  return  .' 

2  And  Joseph  replied,  Because  I  was 
weary  after  my  journey,  and  rested  the 
first  day. 

3  But  Annas  turning  about,  perceived 
the  Virgin  big  with  child, 

4  And  went  away  to  the  priest,  and 
told  him,  Joseph,  in  whom  you  placed 
so  much  confidence,  is  guilty  of  a  noto- 
rious crime,  in  that  he  hath  defiled  the 
Virgin  whom  he  received  out  of  the 
temple  of  the  Lord,  and  liath  privately 
married  her,  not  discovering  it  to  the 
children  of  Israel. 

5  Thefl  said  the  priest.  Hath  Joseph 
done  this .' 

6  Annas  replied.  If  you  send  any  of 
your  servants,  you  will  find  that  she  is 
with  child. 

7  And  the  servants  went,  and  found 
it  as  he  said. 

8  Upon  this  both  she  and  Joseph  were 
brought  to  their  trial ;  and  the  priest  said 
unto  her,  Mary,  what  hast  thou  done  ? 

9  Why  hast  thou  debased  thy  soul, 
and  forgot  thy  God,  seeing  thou  wast 
brought  up  in  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and 
didst  receive  thy  food  from  the  hands  of 
angels,  and  heardest  their  songs .' 

1 0  Why  hast  thou  done  this .' 

1 1  To  which  with  a  flood  of  tears  she 
answered,  As  the  Lord  my  God  liveth, 
I  am  innocent  in  his  sight,  seeing  I  know 
no  man. 

12  Then  the  priest  said  to  Joseph, 
Why  hast  thou  done  this  .' 

13  And  Joseph  answered,  As  the  Lord 
my  God  liveth,  I  have  not  been  concerned 
with  her. 

14  But  the  priest  said.  Lie  not,  but 
declare  the  truth ;  thou  hast  privately 
married  her,  and  not  discovered  it  to  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  humbled  thyself 
under  the  mighty  hand  (of  God),  that 
thy  seed  might  be  blessed. 

15  And  Joseph  was  silent. 

16  Then  said  the  priest  (to  Joseph), 

11 


Joseph  beholds 


THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


great  wonders. 


You  must  restore  to  the  temple  of  the 
Lord  the  Virgin  which  you  took  thence. 

17  But  he  wept  bitterly,  and  the  priest 
added,  I  will  cause  you  both  to  drink  the 
water  of  the  Lord,''  which  is  for  trial, 
and  so  your  iniquity  shall  be  laid  open 
before  you. 

18  Then  the  priest  took  the  water, 
and  made  Joseph  drink,  and  sent  him  to 
a  mountainous  place ; 

19  And  he  returned  perfectly  well, 
and  all  the  people  wondered  that  liis 
guilt  was  not  discovered. 

20  So  the  priest  said.  Since  the  Lord 
has  not  made  your  sins  evident,  neither 
do  I  condemn  you. 

21  So  he  sent  them  away. 

22  Then  Joseph  took  Mary,  and  went 
to  his  house,  rejoicing  and  praising  the 
God  of  Israel. 

CHAP.  xn. 

1  A  decree  from  Augustus  for  taxing  the  Jews.  5 
Joseph  puts  Mary  on  an  ass,  to  return  to  Bethle- 
hem. 6  She  looks  sorrowful ;  7  she  laughs.  8  Jo- 
seph inquires  the  cause  of  eacli ;  9  she  tells  him 
she  sees  two  persons,  one  mourning  and  the  other 
rejoicing.  10  The  delivery  being  near,  he  takes 
her  from  the  ass,  and  places  her  in  a  cave. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  that  there  went 
forth  a  decree'  from  the  Emperor 
Augustus,  that  all  the  Jew.-^  should  be 
taxed,  who  were  of  Bethlehem  in  Ju- 
deea: 

2  And  Joseph  said,  I  Avill  take  care 
that  my  children  be  taxed  ;  but  what 
shall  I  do  with  this  young  woman  .' 

3  To  have  her  taxed  as  my  wife,  I 
am  ashamed  ;  and  if  I  tax  her  as  my 
daughter,  all  Israel  knows  she  is  not  my 
daughter. 

4  When  the  time  of  the  Lord's  ap- 
pointment shall  come,  let  him  do  as 
seems  good  to  him. 

5  And  he  saddled  the  ass,  and  put  her 
upon  it,  and  Joseph  and  Simon  followed 
after  her,  and  arrived  at  Bethlehem  within 
three  miles. 

6  Then  Joseph  turning  about  saw 
Mary  sorrowful,  and  said  within  him- 
self, Perhaps  she  is  in  pain  through  that 
which  is  within  her. 

7  But  when  he  turned  about  again,  he 
saw  her  laughing,  and  said  to  her, 

8  Mary,  how  happens  it,  that  I  some- 
times see  sorrow  and  sometimes  laughter 
and  joy  in  thy  countenance  ? 

9  And  Mary  replied  to  him,  I  see  two 


It  Num.  V.  18. 
1? 


1  Luke,  ii.  1. 


people  with  mine  eyes,  the  one  weeping 
and  mourning,  the  other  laughing  and 
rejoicing. 

10  And  he  went  again  across  the  way, 
and  Mary  said  to  Joseph,  Take  me  down 
from  the  ass,  for  that  which  is  in  me 
presses  to  come  forth. 

11  But  Joseph  replied,  Whither  shall 
I  take  thee  ?  for  the  place  is  desert. 

12  Then  said  Mary  again  to  Joseph, 
Take  me  down,  for  that  which  is  within 
me  mightily  presses  me. 

1 3  And  Joseph  took  her  down. 

14  And  he  found  there  a  cave,  and 
let  her  into  it. 

CHAP.  xni. 

1  Joseph  seeks  a  Hebrew  midwife:  2  perceives  the 
fowls  stojiping  in  their  flight,  3  the  working  people 
at  their  food  not  moving,  8  the  sheep  standing 
still,  9  the  shepherd  fixed  and  immovable,  10  and 
kids  with  their  mouths  touching  the  water,  but  not 
drinking. 

AND  leaving  her  and  his  sons  in  the 
cave,  Joseph  went  forth  to  seek  a 
Hebrew  midwife  in  the  village  of  Beth- 
lehem. 

2  But  as  I  was  going  (said  Joseph), 
I  looked  up  into  the  air,  and  I  saw  the 
clouds  astonished,  and  the  fowls  of  the 
air  stopping  in  the  midst  of  their  flight. 

3  And  I  looked  down  towards  the 
earth,  and  saw  a  table  sjjread,  and  work- 
ing people  sitting  around  it;  but  their 
hands  were  upon  the  table,  and  they  did 
not  move  to  eat. 

4  They  who  had  meat  in  their  mouths 
did  not  eat. 

5  They  who  lifted  iheir  hands  up  to 
their  heads  did  not  draw  them  back  : 

6  And  they  who  lifted  them  up  to 
their  mouths  did  not  put  anything  in  ; 

7  But  all  their  faces  were  fixed  up- 
wards. 

8  And  I  beheld  the  sheep  dispersed, 
and  yet  the  sheep  stood  still ; 

9  And  the  shepherd  lifted  up  his  hand 
to  smite  them, and  his  hand  continued  up. 

10  And  I  looked  unto  a  river,  and 
saw  the  kids  with  their  mouths  close  to 
the  water,  and  touching  it,  but  they  did 
not  drink. 

CHAP.  XIV. 

1  Joseph  finds  a  midwife.  10  A  bright  cloud  over- 
shadows the  ca%'e.  11  A  great  light  in  the  cave, 
gradually  increases  until  the  infant  is  born.  13 
The  midwife  goes  out,  and  tells  Salome  that  she 
has  seen  a  Virgin  bring  forth.  17  Salome  doubts 
it ;  20  her  hand  withers ;  22  she  supplicates  tjie 
Lord;  iS  is  cured,  30  but  warned  not  to  declare 
what  she  had  seen. 


Jesus  born.   Wise  mm        THE  PROTEV^AxNGELION. 


come  from  the  East. 


THEN   I   beheld  a  woman   coming 
down  from  the  mountains,  and  she 
said  to  me,  Where  art  thou  going,  0  man  ? 

2  And  I  said  to  her,  I  go  to  inquire 
for  a  Hebrew  midwife. 

3  She  replied  to  me.  Where  is  the 
woman  that  is  to  be  delivered  ? 

4  And  I  answered,  In  the  cave,  and 
she  is  betrothed  to  me. 

5  Then  said  the  midwife.  Is  she  not 
thy  wife .' 

6  Joseph  answered.  It  is  Mary,  who 
was  educated  in  the  Holy  of  Holies,  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  she  fell  to 
me  by  lot,  and  is  not  my  wife,  but  has 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

7  The  midwife  said.  Is  this  true  ? 

8  He  answered.  Come  and  see. 

9  And  the  midwife  went  along  with 
him,  and  stood  in  the  cave. 

10  Then  a  bright  cloud  overshadowed 
the  cave,  and  the  midwife  said.  This  day 
my  soul  is  magnified,  for  mine  eyes  have 
seen  surprising  things,  and  salvation  is 
brought  forth  to  Israel. 

1 1  But  on  a  sudden  the  cloud  became 
a  great  li^ht  in  the  cave,  so  that  their 
eyes  could  not  bear  it. 

12  But  the  light  gradually  decreased, 
until  the  infant  appeared,  and  sucked  the 
breast  of  his  mother  Mary. 

13  Then  the  midwife  cried  out,  and 
said.  How  glorious  a  day  is  this,  wherein 
mine  eyes  have  seen  this  extraordinary 
sight ! 

14  And  the  midwife  went  out  from 
the  cave,  and  Salome  met  her. 

15  And  the  midwife  said  to  her,  Sa- 
lome, Salome,  I  will  tell  you  a  most  sur- 
prising thing  which  I  saw. 

16  A  virgin  hath  brought  forth,  which 
is  a  thing  contrary  to  nature. 

17  To  which  Salome  replied.  As  the 
Lord  my  God  liv  'h,  unless  I  receive 
particular  proof  of  lis  matter,  I  will  not 
believe  that  a  virgii  hath  brought  forth. 

18  IT  Then  Salome  went  in,  and  the 
midwife  said,  Mary,  shew  thyself,  for  a 
great  controversy  is  risen  concerning 
thee. 

19  And  Salome  received  satisfaction. 

20  But  her  hand  was  withered,  and 
she  groaned  bitterly, 

21  And  said.  Wo  to  me,  because  of 
mine  iniquity;  for  I  have  tempted  the 
living  God,  and  my  hand  is  ready  to 
drop  off. 

22  Then  Salome  made  her  supplication 
to  the  Lord,  and  said,  0  God  of  my  fa- 


thers, remember  me,  for  I  am  of  the  seed 
of  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob. 

23  Make  me  not  a  reproach  among 
the  children  of  Israel,  but  restore  me 
sound  to  my  parents. 

24  For  thou  well  knowest,  O  Lord, 
that  I  have  performed  many  offices  of 
charity  in  thy  name,  and  have  received 
my  reward  from  thee. 

25  Upon  this  an"  angel  of  the  Lord 
stood  by  Salome,  and  said,  The  Lord 
God  hath  heard  thy  prayer :  reach  forth 
thy  hand  to  the  child,  and  carry  him,  and 
by  that  means  thou  shalt  be  restored. 

26  Salome,  filled  with  exceeding  joy, 
went  to  the  child,  and  said,  I  will  touch 
him. 

27  And  she  purposed  to  worship  him, 
for  she  said.  This  is  a  great  king,  which 
is  born  in  Israel. 

28  And  straightway  Salome  was  cured. 

29  Then  the  midwife  went  out  of  the 
cave,  being  approved  by  God. 

30  And  lo  !  a  voice  came  to  Salome, 
Declare  not  the  strange  things  which 
thou  hast  seen,  till  the  child  come  to  Je- 
rusalem. 

31  So  Salome  also  departed,  approved 
by  God. 

CHAP.  XV. 

1  Wise  men  come  from  the  east.  3  Herod  alarmed : 
8  desires  them,  if  they  find  the  child,  to  bring  him 
word.  10  They  visit  the  cove,  and  offer  the  child 
their  treiisure  ;  11  and  being  warned  in  a  dream, 
do  not  return  to  Herod,  but  go  home  another  way. 

THEN  Joseph  was  preparing  to  go 
away,  because  there  arose  a  great 
disorder  in  Bethlehem  by  the  coming  of 
some  wise  men  from  the  east,' 

2  Who  said.  Where  is  the  king  of  the 
Jews  born  .'  For  we  have  seen  his  star 
in  the  east,  and  are  come  to  worship  him. 

3  When  Herod  heard  this,  he  Avas  ex- 
ceedingly troubled,  and  sent  messengers 
to  the  wise  men,  and  to  the  priests,  and 
inquired  of  them  in  the  town-hall, 

4  And  said  unto  them.  Where  have 
you  it  written  concerning  Christ  the 
king,  or  where  should  he  be  born .' 

5  Then  they  say  unto  him.  In  Bethle- 
lehem  of  Judaea;  for  thus  it  is  written: 
And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of  Ju- 
dah,  art  not  the  least  among  the  princes 
of  Judah,  for  out  of  thee  shall  come  a 
ruler,  who  shall  rule  my  people  Israel. 

6  And  having  sent  away  the  chief 
priests,  he  inquired  of  the  wise  men  in 


1  Matt.  ii.  1,  &c 


~^-v>^,^\'V 


13 


Murder  of  the  infants.        THE  PROTEVANGELION. 


John  escapes. 


the  town-hall,  and  said  unto  them,  What 
sign  was  it  ye  saw  concerning  the  king 
that  is  born  ? 

7  They  answered  him.  We  saw  an 
extraordinary  large  star  shining  among 
the  stars  of  heaven,  and  so  out-shined 
all  the  other  stars,  as  that  they  became 
not  visible,  and  we  knew  thereby  that  a 
great  king  was  born  in  Israel,  and  there- 
fore we  are  come  to  worship  him. 

8  Then  said  Herod  to  them.  Go  and 
make  diligent  inquiry;  and  if  j-efind  the 
child,  bring  me  word  again,  that  I  may 
come  and  worship  him  also. 

9  So  the  wise  men  went  forth,  and 
behold,  the  star  which  they  saw  in  the 
east  went  before  them,  till  it  came  and 
stood  over  the  cave  where  the  young 
child  was  with  Mary  his  mother. 

10  Then  they  brought  forth  out  of 
their  treasures,  and  offered  unto  him  gold, 
and  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 

1 1  And  being  warned  in  a  dream  by 
an  angel,  that  they  should  not  return  to 
Herod  through  Judaea,  they  departed  into 
their  own  country  by  another  way. 

CHAP.  XVI. 

1  Herod  enraged,  orders  the  infants  in  Bethlehem  to 
be  slain.  2  Mary  puts  her  infant  in  an  ox-manger. 
3  Elizabeth  flees  with  her  son  John  to  the  moun- 
tains. 7  A  mountain  miraculously  divides  and 
receives  them.  9  Herod,  incensed  at  the  escape 
of  John,  causes  Zacharias  to  be  murdered  at  the 
eltur.  SS3  The  roofs  of  the  temple  rent,  the  body 
miraculously  conveyed,  and  the  blood  petrified. 
35  Israel  mourns  for  him.  27  Simeon  chosen  his 
successor  by  lot. 

THEN  Herod,"  perceiving  that  he  was 
mocked  by  the  wise  men,  and  being 
very  angry,  commanded  certain  men  t© 
go  and  kill  all  the  children  that  were  in 
Bethlehem,  from  two  years  old  and  under. 

2  But  Maiy,  hearing  that  the  children 
were  to  be  killed,  being  under  much  fear, 
took  the  child,  and  wrapped  him  up  in 
swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  him  in  an 
ox-manger,°  because  there  was  no  room 
for  them  in  the  inn. 

3  Elizabeth  also,  hearing  that  her  son 
John  was  about  to  be  searched  for,  took 
him  and  went  up  unto  the  mountains, 
and  looked  around  for  a  place  to  hide 
him; 

4  And  there  was  no  secret  place  to  be 
found. 

5  Then  she  groaned  within  herself, 
and  said,  0  mountain  of  the  Lord,  re- 
ceive the  mother  with  the  child. 

>n  Matt.  ii.  16. 

o  Luke,  ii.  7,  is  alluded  to,  though  misapplied  as 
to  time. 

14 


6  For  Elizabeth  could  not  climb  up. 

7  And  instantly  the  mountciin  was  di- 
vided and  received  them, 

8  And  there  appeared  to  them  an  angel 
of  the  Lord  to  preserve  them. 

9  IT  But  Herod  made  search  after  John, 
and  sent  servants  to  Zacharias,  when  he 
was  (ministering)  at  the  altar,  and  said 
unto  him.  Where  hast  thou  hid  thy  son .' 

10  He  replied  to  them,  lam  a  minister 
of  God,  and  a  servant  at  the  altar :  how 
should  I  know  where  my  son  is .' 

11  So  the  servants  went  back,  and 
told  Herod  the  whole ;  at  which  he  was 
incensed,  and  said,  Ts  not  this  son  of  his 
like  to  be  king  in  Israel .' 

1 2  He  sent  therefore  again  his  servants 
to  Zacharias,  saying.  Tell  us  the  truth, 
where  is  thy  son .'  for  you  know  that 
your  life  is  in  my  hand. 

1 3  So  the  servants  went  and  told  him 
all  this ; 

14  But  Zacharias  replied  to  them,  I 
am  a  martyr  for  God,  and  if  ye  shed  my 
blood,  the  Lord  will  receive  my  soul. 

15  Besides,  know  that  ye  shed  inno- 
cent blood. 

1 6  However,  Zacharias  was  murdered 
in  the  entrance  of  the  temple  and  altar, 
and  about  the  partition ; 

17  But  the  children  of  Israel  knew 
not  when  he  was  killed. 

18  ^  Then  at  the  hour  of  salutation 
the  priests  went  into  the  temple,  but  Za- 
charias did  not  according  to  custom  meet 
them  and  bless  them. 

19  Yet  they  still  continued  waiting  for 
him  to  salute  them ; 

20  And  when  they  found  he  did  not 
in  a  long  time  come,  one  of  them  ven- 
tured into  the  holy  place  where  the  altar 
was,  and  he  saw  blood  lying  upon  the 
ground  congealed ; 

21  When,  behold,  a  voice  from  heaven 
said,  Zacharias  !  •  murdered,  and  his 
blood  shall  not  be  v\  iped  away  until  the 
revenger  of  his  blood  come. 

22  But  when  he  heard  this,  he  was 
afraid,  and  went  forth  and  told  the  priests 
what  he  had  seen  and  heard ;  and  they 
all  went  in,  and  saw  the  fact. 

23  Then  the  roofs  of  the  temple  howl- 
ed, and  were  rent  from  the  top  to  the 
bottom : 

24  And  they  could  not  find  the  body, 
but  only  blood  made  hard  like  stone. 

25  And  they  went  away,  and  told  the 
people  that  Zacharias  was  murdered,  and 
all  the  tnbes  of  Israel  heard  thereof,  and 


Simeon  chosen 


I.  INFANCY. 


high  priest  hy  lot. 


mourned  for  him,  and  lamented  three 
days." 


o  There  is  a  story  both  in  the  Jerusalem  and  Baby- 
lonish Talmud  very  similar  to  this.  It  is  cited  by 
Dr.  Lijhtfoot,  Talmud.  Hierosol.  in  Taanith,  fol. 
69 ;  and  Talmud.  Bahjl.  in  Sanhedi:,  fol.  96. 
"  Rabi  Jochanan  said,  Eighty  thousand  priests  were 
fclain  for  the  blood  of  Zacharias.  Rabbi  Judas  asked 
Rabbi  Achan,  Where  did  they  kill  Zacharias  ?  Was 
it  in  the  women's  court,  or  in  the  court  of  Israel  1 
He  answered,  Neither  in  the  court  of  Israel,  nor  in 
the  court  of  women,  but  in  the  court  of  the  priests  ; 
and  they  did  not  treat  his  blood  in  the  same  manner 
as  they  were  wont  to  treat  the  blood  of  a  ram  or  a 
young  goat.  For  of  these  it  is  written,  He  shall  pour 
out  his  blood,  and  cover  it  with  dust.  But  it  is  writ- 
ten here.  The  blood  is  in  the  midst  of  her;  she  set  it 
upon  the  top  of  a  rock ;  she  poured  it  not  upon  the 
ground.  (Ezek.  xxiv.  7.)  But  why  was  this  ?  That 
It  might  cause  fury  to  come  up  to  take  vengeance : 
I  have  set  his  blood  upon  the  top  of  a  rock,  that  it 
should  not  be  covered.  They  committed  seven  evils 
that  day  :  they  murdered  a  priest,  a  prophet,  and  a 
king ;  they  shed  the  blood  of  the  innocent ;  they  pol- 
luted the  cour^;  that  day  was  the  Sabbath,  and  the 
day  of  e.xpiation.  When  therefore  Nebuzaradan 
came  there  (viz.  to  Jerusalem,)  he  saw  h]s  blood 
bubbling,  and  said  to  them,  What  meaneth  this  ? 
They  answered.  It  is  the  blood  of  calves,  lambs,  and 
rams,  which  we  have  offe«ed  upon  the  altar.  He 
commanded  them,  that  they  should  bring  calves,  and 
Iambs,  and  rams,  and  said,  I  will  try  whether  this  be 
their  blood.  Accordingly  they  brought  and  slew 
them,  but  the  blood  (of  Zacharias)  still  bubbled,  but 
the  blood  of  these  did  not  bubble.  Then  he  said. 
Declare  to  me  the  truth  of  this  matter,  or  else  I  will 
oomb  your  f^esh  with  iron  combs.  Then  said  they 
to  him,  He  was  a  priest,  a  prophet,  and  judge,  who 
prophesied  to  Israel  all  these  calamities  which  wo 
nave  suffered  from  you  ;  but  wo  arose  against  him, 


26  Then  the  priests  took  counsel  to- 
gether concerning  a  person  to  succeed 
him. 

27  And  Simeon  and  the  other  priests 
cast  lots,  and  the  lot  fell  upon  Simeon. 

28  For  he  had  been  assured  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  he  should  not  die  till 
he  had  seen  Christ  come  in  the  flesh. p 

IT  /,  James,  ivroie  this  history  in  Jeru' 
salem ;  and  when  the  disturbance  ivas, 
I  retired  into  a  desert  place,  until  the 
death  of  Herod.  And  the  disturbance 
ceased  at  Jerusalem.  That  which  re- 
mains is,  that  I  glorify  God  that  he 
hath  given  me  such  wisdom  to  write 
unto  you  toho  are  spiritual,  and  who 
love  God;  to  whom  (be  ascribed)  glory 
and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 


and  slew  him.  Then  said  he,  I  will  appease  him. 
Then  he  took  the  rabbins,  and  slew  them  upon  his 
(viz.  Zachariah's)  blood,  and  he  was  not  yet  ap- 
peased. Next  he  took  the  young  boys  from  the 
school3,!and  yet  it  bubbled.  Then  he  brought  the 
young  priests,  and  slew  them  in  the  same  |)Iace,  and 
yet  it  still  bubbled.  So  he  slew  at  length  ninety-four 
thousand  persons  upon  his  blood,  and  it  did  not  as 
yet  cease  bubbling.  Then  he  drew  near  to  it,  and 
said,  O  Zacharias,  Zacharias,  thou  hast  occasioned 
the  death  of  the  chief  of  thy  countrymen :  shall  I 
slay  them  all  t  Then  the  blood  ceased,  and  did 
bubble  no  more." 
p  Luke,  ii.  26. 


The  First  Gospel  of  the  INFANCY  of  JESUS  CHRIST. 

'Mr.  Henry  Sike,  Professor  of  Oriental  Languages  at  Cambridge,  first  translated  and  published  this  Gospel 
in  1697.  It  was  received  by  the  Gnostics,  a  sect  of  Christians  in  the  second  century  :  and  several  of 
its  relations  were  credited  in  the  following  ages  by  other  Christians,  viz.  Eusebius,  Athanasius,  Epi- 
phanius,  Chrysostom,  &c.  Sozomen  says,  he  was  told  by  many,  and  he  credits  the  relations,  of  the 
idols  in  Egypt  falling  down  on  Joseph,  and  Mary's  flight  thither  \T'itti  Christ ;  and  of  Christ  making  a 
well  to  wash  his  clothes  in  a  sycamore  tree,  from  whence  balsam  afterwards  proceeded.  These  stories 
are  from  this  Gospel.  Chemnitius,  out  of  Stipulensis,  who  had  it  from  Peter  Martyr,  Bishop  of  Alex- 
andria, in  the  third  century,  says,  that  the  place  in  Egypt  where  Christ  was  banished  is  now  called 
Matarea,  about  ten  miles  beyond  Cairo  ;  that  the  inhabitants  constantly  burn  a  lamp  in  remembrance 
of  it ;  and  that  there  is  a  garden  of  trees  yielding  a  balsam,  which  were  planted  by  Christ  when  a  boy. 
M.  La  Crose  cites  a  synod  at  .\ngamala,  in  the  mountains  of  Malabar,  A.  D.  1599,  which  condemns 
this  Gospel  as  commonly  read  by  the  Nestorians  in  that  country.  Ahmed  Ibn  Idris,  a  Mahometan  di- 
vine, says,  it  was  used  by  some  Christians  in  common  with  the  other  four  Gospels  ;  and  Ocobius  de 
Castro  mentions  a  Gospel  of  Thomas,  which  he  says,  he  saw  and  had  translated  to  him  by  an  Arme- 
nian Archbishop  at  Amsterdam,  that  was  read  in  very  many  churches  of  Asia  and  Africa  as  the  only 
rule  of  their  faith.  Fabricus  takes  it  to  be  this  Gospel.  It  has  been  supposed,  that  Mahomet  and  his 
coadjutors  used  it  in  compiling  the  Koran.  There  are  several  stories  believed  of  Christ,  proceeding 
from  this  Gospel :  as  that  which  Mr.  Sike  relates  out  of  La  Brosse's  Persic  Lexicon,  that  Christ  prac- 
.tised  the  trade  of  a  dyer,  and  his  working  a  miracle  with  the  colors  ;  from  whence  the  Persian  dvers 
honor  him  as  their  patron,  and  call  a  dye-house  the  shop  of  Christ.  Sir  John  Chardin  mentions  ter- 
siaa  legends  concerning  Christ's  dispute  with  his  schoolmaster  about  his  A  B  C ;  and  his  lengthening 
the  cedar  board  which  Joseph  sawed  too  short.] 


15 


Birth  of  Christ. 


I.  INFANCY. 


His  circumcisicn. 


CHAP.  I. 


1  Caiphas  relates,  that  Jesus  wlien  in  his  cradle,  in- 
formed liis  mcthci  that  he  was  the  Son  of  (;od.  5 
Joseph  and  Marv  going  to  Bethlehem  to  be  taxed, 
Mary's  time  of  bringing  forth  arrives,  and  she  goes 
into  a  cave.  8  Joseph  fetrl;es  in  a  Hebrew  wo- 
man. 10  The  cave  tilled  with  great  li<rhts  :  11  the 
infant  born  ;  17  cures  the  woman  ;  19  arrival  of 
the  shepherds. 

THE  followin;^  accounts  we  found  in 
the  book  of  Joseph  the  high  priest, 
called  hy  some  Caiphas. 

2  He  relates,  that  Jesus  spake  even 
■when  he  Avas  in  his  cradle,  and  said  to 
his  mother: 

3  Mary,  1  am  Jesus  the  Son  of  God, 
that  Word,  which  thou  didst  bring  forth 
according  to  the  declaration  of  the  angel 
Gabriel  to  thee,  and  my  Father  hath  sent 
me  for  the  salvation  of  the  world. 

4  If  In  the  three  Itundred  and  ninth 
year  of  the  a^ra  of  Alexander,  Augustus 
published  a  decree,  that  all  per.sons 
should  go  to  be  taxed  in  their  own 
country. 

5  Joseph  therefore  arose,  and  with 
Mary  his  spouse  he  went  to  Jerusalem, 
and  then  came  to  Bethlehem,  that  he  and 
his  family  might  be  taxed  in  the  city  of 
his  fathers. 

6  And  when  they  came  by  the  cave, 
Mary  confessed  to  Joseph,  that  her  time 
of  bringing  forth  was  come,  and  she 
could  not  go  on  to  the  city,  and  said. 
Let  us  go  into  this  cave. 

7  At  that  time  the  sun  was  very  near 
going  down. 

8  But  Joseph  hastened  away,  that  he 
might  fetch  her  a  midwife  ;  and  when 
he  saw  an  old  Hebrew  woman,  who  was 
of  Jerusalem,  he  said  to  her.  Pray  come 
hither,  good  woman,  and  go  into  that 
cave,  and  you  will  there  see  a  woman 
just  ready  to  bring  forth. 

9  It  was  after  sunset,  when  the  old 
woman  and  Joseph  with  her  reached  the 
cave,  and  they  both  went  into  it. 

10  And  behold,  it  w,gs  filled  with 
lights,  greater  than  the  light  of  lamps 
and  candles,  and  greater  than  the  light  of 
the  sun  itself. 

11  The  infant  was  then  wrapped  up 
in  svcaddling  clothes,  and  sucking  the 
breasts  of  his  mother  St.  Mary. 

12  When  they  saw  this  light,  they 
were  surprised;  the  old  woman  asked 
St.  Mary,  Art  thou  the  mother  of  this 
child  .' 

13  St.  Mary  replied,  she  was. 

14  On  which  the   old  woman   said, 

16 


Thou  art  very  different  from  all  other 
women. 

15  St.  Mary  answered,  As  there  is  not 
any  child  like  to  my  son,  so  neither  is 
there  any  woman  like  to  his  mother. 

16  The  old  woman  answered,  and 
said,  0  my  Lady,  I  am  come  hither,  that 
I  may  obtain  an  everlasting  reward. 

17  Then  our  Lady  St.  Mary  said  to 
her.  Lay  thy  hands  upon  the  infant ; 
which,  when  she  had  done,  she  became 
whole. 

18  And  as  she  was  going  forth,  she 
said.  From  henceforth  all  the  days  of 
my  life,  I  will  attend  upon  and  be  a  ser- 
vant of  this  infant. 

19  After  this,  when  the  shepherds 
came,  and  had  made  a  fire,  and  they 
were  exceedingly  rejoicing,  the  heavenly 
host  appeared  to  them,  praising  and  ador- 
ing the  supreme  God. 

20  And  as  the  shepherdswere  engaged 
in  the  same  employment,  the  cave  at 
that  time  seemed  like  a  glorious  temple, 
because  both  the  tongues  of  angels  and 
men  united  to  adore  and  magnify  God, 
on  account  of  the  birth  of  the  Lord 
Christ. 

21  But  when  the  old  Hebrew  woman 
saw  all  these  evident  miracles,  she  gave 
praises  to  God,  and   said,  T  thank  thee, 

0  God,  thou  God  of  Israel,  for  that  mine 
eyes  have  seen  the  birth  of  the  Saviour 
of  the  world. 

CHAP.  II. 

1  The  child  ciicumcised  in  the  cave,  2  and  tne  old 
woman  preserving  his  foreskin  or  navel-string  in  a 
box  of  spikenard,  Mary  afterwards  anoints  Christ 
•with  it.  5  Christ  brought  to  the  temple  ;  6  shines  : 
7  angels  stand  around  him  adoring.  8  Simeon 
praises  Christ. 

AND  when  the  time  of  his  circumci- 
sion was  come  :  namely,  the  eighth 
day,  on  which  law  commanded  the  child 
to  be  circumcised  ;  they  circumcised  him 
in  the  cave. 

2  And  the  old  Hebrew  woman  took 
the  foreskin  (others  say  she  took  the 
navel-string,)  and  preserved  it  in  an  ala- 
baster box  of  old  oil  of  spikenard. 

3  And  she  had  a  son  who  was  a 
druggist,  to  whom  she  said,  Take  heed 
thou  sell  not  this  alabaster  box  of  spike- 
nard ointment,  although  thou  shouldest 
be  offered  three  hundred  pence  for  it. 

4  Now  this  is  that  alabaster  box  which 
Mary  the  sinner  procured,  and  poured 
fortli  the  ointment  out  of  it  upon  the 
head  and  the  feet  of  our  Lord  Jesua 


Christ  brought  to  the  temple.  I.  INFANCY. 


The  flight  to  Egypt. 


Christ,  and  wiped  them  off  with  the  hairs 
of  her  head. 

5  Then  after  ten  days  they  brought 
him  to  Jerusalem,  and  on  the  fortieth 
day  from  his  birth  tl\ey  presented  hirn  in 
the  temple  of  the  Lord,  making  the  pro- 
per offerings  for  him,  according  to  the 
requirement  of  the  law  of  Moses  :  name- 
ly, that  every  male  which  opens  the 
womb  shall  be  called  holy  unto  God. 

6  At  that  time  old  Simeon  saw  him 
shiningas  apillar  of  light,  when  St.  Mary 
the  virgin,  his  mother,  carried  him  in 
her  arms,  and  was  filled  with  the  great- 
est pleasure  at  the  sight. 

7  And  the  angals  stood  around  him, 
adoring  him,  as  a  king's  guards  stand 
around  him. 

8  Then  Simeon  going  near  to  St.  Mary, 
and  stretching  forth  his  hands  towards 
her,  said  to  the  Lord  Christ,  Now,  0  my 
Lord,  thy  servant  shall  depart  in  peace, 
according  to  thy  word; 

9  For  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  mer- 
cy, which  thou  hast  prepared  for  the  sal- 
vation of  all  nations ;  a  light  to  all  peo- 
ple, and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 

10  Hannah  the  Prophetess  was  also 
present,  and  drawing  near,  she  gave 
praises  to  God,  and  celebrated  the  hap- 
piness of  Mary. 

CHAP.  HI. 

1  The  wise  men  visit  Christ.  Mary  gives  them  one 
ol  his  swatidling  clothes.  3  An  anjel  appears  to 
hem  in  the  form  of  a  st:ir.  4  They  return  and 
make  a  fire,  and  worship  the  swaddhng  cloth,  and 
put  it  in  the  fire  where  it  remains  unconsumed. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Lord 
Jesus  was  born  at  Bethlehem,  a 
city  of  Judaea,  in  the  ti.me  of  Herod  the 
King,  the  wise  men  came  from  the  East 
to  Jerusalem,  according  to  the  prophecy 
of  Zoradascht,*  and  brought  with  them 
offerings:  namely,  gold,  frankincense, 
and  myrrh,  and  worshipped  liim,  and  of- 
fered to  him  their  gifts. 

2  Then  the  Lady  Mary  took  one  of 
his  swaddling  clothes  in  which  the  in- 
fant was  wrapped,  and  gave  it  to  them 
instead  of  a  blessing,  which  they  re- 
ceived from  her  as  a  most  noble  present. 

3  And  at  the  same  time  there  appeared 
to  them  an  angel  in  the  form  of  that  star 
which  had  before  been  their  guide  in 
their  journey;  the  light  of  which  they 
followed  till  they  returned  into  their  own 
country. 

a  Zoroaster, 


4  H  On  their  return  their  kings  and 
princes  came  to  them,  inquiring,  What 
they  had  seen  and  v>hat  they  had  done  .' 
What  sort  of  journey  and  return  they 
had ."  What  company  they  had  on  the 
road  ? 

5  But  they  produced  the  swaddling 
cloth  which  St.  Mary  had  given  to  them, 
on  account  whereof  they  kept  a  feast. 

6  And  having,  according  to  the  cus- 
tom of  their  country,  made  a  tire,  they 
worshipped  it. 

7  And  casting  the  swaddling  cloth 
into  it,  the  fire  took  it,  and  kept  it. 

8  And  when  the  fire  was  put  out, 
they  took  forth  the  swaddling  cloth  un- 
hurt, as  much  as  if  the  fire  had  not 
touched  it. 

9  Then  they  began  to  kiss  it,  and  put 
it  upon  their  heads  and  their  eyes,  say- 
ing. This  is  certainly  an  undoubted  truth, 
and  it  is  really  surprising  that  the  fire 
could  not  consume  it. 

10  Then  they  took  it,  and  with  the 
greatest  respect  laid  it  up  among  their 
treasures. 

CHAP.  IV. 

1  Herod  intends  to  put  Christ  to  death.  3  An  angel 
warns  Josepii  to  take  tlie  child  and  his  mother  into 
Egypt.  G  Consternation  on  their  arrival.  13  The 
idols  fall  down.  15  Mary  washes  Christ's  swad- 
dling clothes,  and  hangs  them  to  dry  on  a  post.  16 
A  son  of  the  chief  priest  puts  one  on  his  head,  and 
being  possessed  of  devils,  they  leave  him. 

NOW  Herod  perceiving  that  the  wise 
men  did  delay,  and  not  return  to 
him,  called  together  the  priests  and  wise 
men  and  said,  Tell  me  in  what  place  the 
Christ  should  be  born  .' 

2  And  when  they  replied,  in  Bethle- 
hem, a  city  of  Juda?a,  lie  began  to  con- 
trive in  his  own  mind  the  death  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

3  But  an  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared 
to  Joseph  in  his  sleep,  and  said,  Arise, 
take  the  child  and  his  mother,  and  go 
into  Egypt  as  soon  as  the  cock  crows. 
So  he  arose,  and  went. 

4  "ii  And  as  he  was  considering  with 
himself  about  his  journey,  the  morning 
came  upon  him. 

5  In  the  length  of  the  journey  the  girts 
of  the  saddle  broke. 

6  And  now  he  drew  near  to  a  great 
city,  in  which  there  was  an  idol,  to 
which  the  other  idols  and  gods  of  Egypt 
brought  their  offerings  and  vows. 

7  And  there  was  by  this  idol  a  priest 
ministering  to  it,  who,  as  often  as  Satan 

17 


Falling  of  the  idols. 


spake  out  of  that  idol,  related  the  things 
he  said  to  the  inhabitants  of  Egypt,  and 
those  countries. 

8  This  priest  had  a  son  three  years 
old,  who  was  possessed  with  a  great 
multitude  of  devils,  who  uttered  many 
strange  things;  and  when  the  devils 
seized  him,  walked  about  naked,  with 
his  clothes  torn,  throwing  stones  at 
those  whom  he  saw. 

9  Near  to  that  idol  was  the  inn  of  the 
city,  into  which  when  Joseph  and  St. 
Mary  were  come,  and  had  turned  into 
that  inn,  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  city 
were  astonished. 

10  And  all  the  magistrates  and  priests 
of  the  idols  assembled  before  that  idol, 
and  made  inquiry  there,  saying.  What 
means  all  this  consternation  and  dread, 
which  has  fallen  upon  all  our  coun- 
try.' 

11  The  idol  answered  them,  The  un- 
known God  is  come  hither,  who  is  truly 
God  ;  nor  is  there  any  one  beside  him, 
who  is  worthy  of  divine  worship;  for 
he  is  truly  the  Son  of  God. 

12  At  the  fame  of  him  this  country 
trembled,  and  at  his  coming  it  is  under 
the  present  commotion  and  consternation, 
and  we  ourselves  are  affrighted  at  the 
greatness  of  his  power. 

13  And  at  the  same  instant  this  idol 
fell  down,  and  at  his  fall  all  the  inhab- 
itants of  Egypt,  besides  others,  ran  to- 
gether. 

14  n  But  the  son  of  the  priest,  when 
his  usual  disorder  came  upon  him,  going 
into  the  inn,  found  there  Joseph  and  St. 
Mary,  whom  all  the  rest  had  left  behind 
and  forsook. 

15  And  when  the  Lady  St.  Mary  had 
washed  the  swaddling  clothes  of  the  Lord 
Christ,  and  hanged  them  out  to  dry  upon 
a  post,  the  boy  possessed  with  the  devil 
took  down  one  of  them,  and  put  it  upon 
his  head. 

16  And  presently  the  devils  began  to 
come  out  of  his  mouth,  and  fly  away  in 
the  shapes  of  crows  and  serpents. 

17  From  that  time  the  boy  was  healed 
by  the  power  of  the  Lord  Christ,  and  he 
began  to  sing  praises,  and  give  thanks  to 
the  Lord  who  had  healed  him. 

18  When  his  father  saw  him  restored 
to  his  former  state  of  health,  he  said,  My 
son,  what  has  happened  to  thee,  and  by 
what  means  wert  thou  cured .' 

19  The  son  answered.  When  the 
devils  seized  rae,  I  went  into  the  inn, 

18 


I.  INFANCY.  Robbers  affrighted. 

and  there  found  a  very  handsome  woman 
with  a  boy,  whose  swaddling  clothes  she 
had  just  before  washed,  and  hanged  out 
upon  a  post. 

20  One  of  these  I  took,  and  put  it  upon 
my  head,  and  immediately  the  devils  left 
me,  and  fled  away. 

21  At  this  the  father  exceedingly  re- 
joiced, and  said.  My  son,  perhaps  this 
boy  is  the  son  of  the  living  God,  who 
made  the  heavens  and  the  earth. 

22  For  as  soon  as  he  came  among  us, 
the  idol  was  broken,  and  all  the  gods 
fell  down,  and  were  destroyed  by  a  great- 
er power. 

23  Then  was  fulfilled  the  prophecy 
which  saith,  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called 
my  son 

CHAP.  V. 

1  Joseph  and  Mary  leave  Egypt.  3  Go  to  tba 
haunts  of  robbers,  4  who  hearing  a  mighty  noise 
as  of  a  great  army  flee  away. 

NOW  Joseph  and  IMary,  when  they 
heard  that  the  idol  was  fallen  down 
and  destroyed,  were  seized  with  fear  and 
trembling,  and  said.  When  we  were  in 
the  land  of  Israel,  Herod,  intending  to 
kill  Jesus,  slew  for  that  purpose  all  the 
infants  at  Bethlehem,  and  that  neighbor- 
hood. 

2  And  there  is  no  doubt  but  the  Egyp- 
tians, if  they  come  to  hear  that  this  idol 
13  broken  and  fallen  down,  will  burn  us 
with  fire. 

3  They  went  therefore  hence  to  the 
secret  places  of  robbers,  who  robbed 
travellers,  as  they  pass  by,  of  their  car- 
riages and  their  clothes,  and  carried  them 
away  bound. 

4  These  thieves  upon  their  coming 
heard  a  great  noise,  such  as  the  noise  of 
a  king  with  a  great  army,  and  many 
horse,  and  the  trumpets  sounding,  at  his 
departure  from  his  own  city ;  at  which 
they  were  so  aflfrighted,  as  to  leave  all 
their  booty  behind  them,  and  fly  away 
in  haste. 

5  Upon  this  the  prisoners  arose,  and 
loosed  each  other's  bonds,  and  taking 
each  man  his  bags,  they  went  away, 
and  saw  Joseph  and  Mary  coming  to- 
wards them,  and  inquired.  Where  is  that 
king,  the  noise  of  whose  approach  the 
robbers  heard,  and  have  left  us,  so  that 
we  are  now  come  off  safe  .' 

6  Joseph  answered,  He  will  come 
after  us. 


A  dumb  girl  cured. 


r.  INFANCY. 


A  leper  cured. 


CHAP.  VI. 


1  Mary  looks  on  a.  woman  in  whom  fiitan  had  ta- 
ken up  his  abode  and  she  becomes  dispossessed.  5 
Christ  kissed  by  a  bride  made  dumb  by  sorcerers  ; 
cures  her;  11  miraculously  cures  a  gentlewoman 
in  whom  Satan  had  taken  up  his  abode.  16 
A  leprous  girl  cured  by  the  water  in  which  he 
was  washed,  and  becomes  the  servant  of  Joseph 
and  Mary.  20  The  leprous  son  of  a  prince's  wife 
cured  in  like  .manner.  37  His  mother  offers  large 
gifts  to  Mary,  and  dismisses  her  with  respect. 

THEN  they  went  into  another  city, 
where  there  was  a  woman  pos- 
.sessed  with  a  devil,  and  in  whom  Satan, 
that  cursed  rebel,  had  taken  up  his 
abode. 

2  One  night,  when  she  went  to  fetch 
water,  she  could  neither  endure  her 
clothes  on,  nor  to  be  in  any  house  ;  but 
as  often  as  they  tied  her  with  chains  or 
cords,  she  brake  them,  and  went  out  into 
desert  places,  and  sometimes  standing 
where  roads  crossed,  and  in  church- 
yards, would  throw  stones  at  men. 

3  When  St.  Mary  saw  this  woman, 
she  pitied  her ;  whereupon  Satan  pre- 
sently left  her,  and  fled  away  in  the 
form  of  a  young  man,  saying,  Wo  to  me, 
because  of  thee,  Mary,  and  thy  son. 

4  So  the  woman  was  delivered  from 
her  torment ;  but  considering  and  per- 
ceiving herself  naked,  she  blushed,  and 
avoided  seeing  any  man,  and  having  put 
on  her  clothes,  went  home,  and  gave  an 
account  of  her  case  to  her  father  and  re- 
lations, who,  as  they  were  the  best  of 
the  city,  entertained  St.  Mary  and  Joseph 
with  the  greate.st  respect. 

5  The  next  morning  having  received 
a  sufficient  supply  of  provisions  for  the 
road,  they  went  from  them,  and  about 
the  evening  of  the  day  arrived  at  another 
town,  where  a  marriage  was  then  about 
to  be  solemnized  ;  but  by  the  arts  of  Sa- 
tan, and  the  practices  of  some  sorcerers, 
the  bride  was  become  so  dumb,  that  she 
could  not  so  much  as  open  her  mouth. 

6  When  this  dumb  bride  saw  the  Ladv 
St.  Mary  entering  into  the  town,  and  car- 
rying the  Lord  Christ  in  her  arms,  she 
stretched  out  her  hands  to  the  Lord 
Christ,  and  took  him  in  her  arms,  and 
closely  hugging  him,  very  often  kissed 
him,  continually  moving  him,  and  press- 
ing him  to  her  body. 

7  Straightway  the  string  of  her  tongue 
was  loosed,  and  her  ears  were  opened, 
and  she  began  to  sing  praises  unto  God, 
who  had  restored  her. 

8  So  there  was  great  joy  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  that  night,  who 


i  thought  that  God  and  his  angels  were 
come  down  among  them. 

9  If  In  this  place  they  abode  three 
days,  meeting  with  the  greatest  respect, 
and  most  splendid  entertainment ; 

10  And  being  then  furnished  by  the 
people  with  provisions  for  the  road,  they 
departed  and  went  to  another  city,  in 
which  they  were  inclined  to  lodge,  be- 
cause it  was  a  famous  place. 

]  1  There  was  in  this  city  a  gentle- 
woman, who,  as  she  went  down  one 
day  to  the  river  to  bathe,  behold  cursed 
Satan  leaped  upon  her  in  the  form  of  a 
serpent, 

12  And  folded  himself  about  her  belly, 
and  every  night  lay  upon  her. 

13  This  woman,  seeing  the  Lady  St. 
Mary,  and  the  Lord  Christ  the  infant  in 
her  ho.som,  asked  the  Lady -St.  Mary, 
that  she  would  give  her  the  child  to  kiss, 
and  carry  in  her  arms 

14  AVhen  she  had  consented,  and  as 
soon  as  the  woman  had  moved  the  child, 
Satan  left  her,  and  fled  away,  nor  did 
the  woman  ever  afterwards  see  him. 

15  Hereupon  all  the  neighbours  prais- 
ed the  supreme  God,  and  the  woman  re- 
warded them  with  ample  beneficence. 

16  On  the  morrow  the  same  woman 
brought  perfumed  water  to  wash  the 
Lord  Jesus  ;  and  when  .she  had  washed 
him,  she  preserved  the  water. 

17  And  there  was  a  girl  there,  whose, 
body  was  white  with  a  leprosy,  who 
being  sprinkled  with  this  water,  and 
washed,  was  instantly  cleansed  from  her 
leprosy. 

18  The  people  therefore  said.  Without 
doubt  Joseph  and  Mary,  and  that  boy, 
are  Gods,  for  they  do  not  look  like  mor- 
tals. 

19  And  when  they  were  making  ready 
to  go  away,  the  girl,  who  had  been  trou- 
bled with  the  leprosy,  came  and  desired 
they  would  permit  her  to  go  along  with 
them:  so  they  con.sented,  and  the  girl 
went  with  them  till  they  came  to  a  city, 
in  which  was  the  palace  of  a  great  king, 
and  whose  house  was  not  far  from  the 
inn. 

20  Here  they  stayed,  and  when  the 
girl  went  one  day  to  the  prince's  wife, 
and  found  her  in  a  sorrowful  and  mourn- 
ful conaition,  she  asked  her  the  reason 
of  her  tears. 

21  She  replied,  Wonder  not  at  my 
groans,  for  I  am  under  a  great  misfor- 
tune of  which  I  dare  not  tell  any  one 

10 


Leprous  infant  cured. 


I.  INFANCY. 


Witchcraft  broken. 


22  But,  says  the  girl,  if  you  will  en- 
trust me  with  your  private  grievance, 
perhaps  I  may  find  you  a  remedy  for  it. 

23  Thou  therefore,  says  the  prince's 
wife,  shall  keep  the  secret,  and  not  dis- 
cover it  to  anj'  one  alive  ! 

24  I  have  been  married  to  this  prince, 
who  rules  as  king  over  large  dominions, 
and  lived  long  with  him,  before  he  had 
any  child  by  me. 

25  At  length  I  conceived  by  him,  but 
alas !  I  brought  forth  a  leprous  son  ; 
which,  when  he  saw,  he  would  not  own 
to  be  his,  but  said  to  me, 

26  Either  do  thou  kill  him,  or  send 
him  to  some  nurse  in  such  a  place  that 
lie  may  be  never  heard  of ;  and  now  take 
care  of  yourself ;  I  will  never  see  you 
more. 

27  So  here  I  pine,  lamenting  my 
wretched  and  miserable  circumstances. 
Alas,  my  son  !  alas,  my  husband  !  Have 
I  discovered  it  to  you  .' 

23  The  girl  replied,  I  have  found  a 
remedy  for  your  disease,  which  I  promise 
you,  for  I  also  was  leprous,  but  God  hath 
cleansed  me,  even  he  who  is  called  Jesus, 
the  son  of  the  Lady  IMary. 

29  The  woman  inquiring,  where  that 
God  was,  whom  she  spake  of,  the  girl 
answered.  He  lodges  with  you  here  in 
the  same  house. 

30  But  how  can  this  be  .'  says  she  : 
where  is  he .'  Behold,  replied  the  girl, 
Joseph  and  Mary ;  and  the  infant  who 
is  with  them  is  called  Jesus  ;  and  it  is  he 
who  delivered  me  from  my  disease  and 
torment. 

31  But  by  what  means,  saj's  she, 
were  you  cleansed  from  your  leprosy  .' 
Will  not  you  tell  me  that .' 

32  Why  not  ?  says  the  girl :  I  took 
the  water  with  which  his  body  had  been 
washed,  and  poured  it  upon  me,  and  my 
leprosy  vanished. 

33  The  prince's  wife  then  arose,  and 
entertained  them,  providing  a  great  feast 
for  Joseph  among  a  large  company  of 
men ; 

34  And  the  next  day  took  perfumed 
water  to  ^vash  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  after- 
wards poured  the  same  water  upon  her 
son,  whom  she  had  brought  with  her, 
and  her  son  was  instantly  cleansed  from 
his  leprosy. 

35  Then  she  sang  thanks  and  praises 
unto  God,  and  said.  Blessed  is  the  mother 
that  bare  thee,  O  Jesus ! 

.    36  Dost  thou  thus  cure  men  of  the 
20 


same  nature  with  th}^self,  Avith  the  water 
with  which  thy  body  is  washed .' 

37  Then  she  offered  very  large  gifts 
to  the  Lady  Mary,  and  sent  her  away 
with  all  imaginable  respect. 

CHAP.  vn. 

1  A  man  who  could  not  enjoy  his  wife,  freed  from 
his  disorder.  .5  A  young  man  who  had  been  be- 
witched, and  turned  into  a  mule,  miraculously 
cured  by  Christ  being  put  on  his  biick  ;  28  and  is 
married  to  the  girl  who  had  been  cured  of  leprosy. 

THEY  came  afterwards  to  another 
city,  and  had  a  mind  to  lodge  there. 

2  Accordingly  they  went  to  a  man's 
house,  who  was  newly  married,  but  by 
the  influence  of  sorcerers  could  not  enjoy 
his  wife  : 

3  But  they  lodging  at  his  house  that 
night,  the  man  was  freed  of  his  disorder  ; 

4  And  when  they  were  preparing  early 
in  the  morning  to  go  forward  on  their 
journey,  the  new  married  person  hinder 
ed  them,  and  provided  a  noble  entertain- 
ment for  them. 

5  But  going  forward  on  the  morrow, 
they  came  to  another  city,  and  saw  three 
women  going  from  a  certain  grave  with 
great  weeping. 

6  When  St.  Mary  saw  them,  she 
spake  to  the  girl  who  was  their  com- 
panion, saying.  Go  and  inquire  of  them 
what  is  the  matter  with  them,  and  what 
misfortune  has  befallen  them  .' 

7  When  the  girl  asked  therft,  they 
made  her  no  answer,  but  asked  her  again, 
Who  are  ye,  and  where  are  ye  going .' 
For  the  day  is  far  spent,  and  night  is  at 
hand. 

8  We  are  travellers,  saith  the  girl,  and 
are  seeking  for  an  inn  to  lodge  at. 

9  They  replied.  Go  along  with  lis, 
and  lodge  with  us. 

10  They  then  followed  them,  and 
were  introduced  into  a  new  house,  well 
furnished  with  all  sorts  of  furniture. 

11  It  was  now  winter  time,  and  the 
girl  Avent  into  the  parlour  where  these 
women  were,  and  found  them  weeping 
and  lamenting,  as  before. 

12  By  them  stood  a  mule,  covered 
over  with  silk,  and  an  ebony  collar  hang- 
ing down  from  his  neck,  whom  they 
kissed,  and  Avere  feeding. 

13  But  Avhen  the  girl  said,  Hoav  hand- 
some, ladies,  that  mule  is  !  they  replied 
Avith  tears,  and  said.  This  mule,  which 
you  see,  Avas  our  brother,  born  of  this 
same  mother  as  we  ; 


Transfarmaiion  of 


I.  INFANCY. 


a  mule  to  a  man. 


14  For  when  our  father  died,  and  left 
us  a  very  large  estate,  and  we  had  only 
this  brother,  and  we  endeavoured  to  pro- 
cure him  a  suitable  match,  and  thought 
he  should  be  married  as  other  men,  some 
giddy  and  jealous  women  bewitched  him 
without  our  knowledge  ; 

15  And  we,  one  night,  a  little  before 
day,  while  the  doors  of  the  house  were 
all  fast  shut,  saw  this  our  brother  was 
changed  into  a  mule,  such  as  you  now 
see  him  to  be  : 

16  And  we,  in  the  melancholy  condi- 
tion in  which  you  now  see  us,  having 
no  father  to  comfort  us,,  have  applied  to 
all  the  wise  men,  magicians,  and  di- 
viners in  the  world,  but  they  have  been 
of  no  service  to  us. 

17  As  often  therefore  as  we  find  our- 
selves oppressed  with  grief,  we  rise  and 
go  with  this  our  mother  to  our  father's 
tomb,  where  Avhen  we  have  cried  suffi- 
ciently, we  return  home. 

18  When  the  girl  had  heard  this,  she 
said,  Take  courage,  and  cease  your  fears, 
for  you  have  a  remedy  for  )'our  afflictions 
near  at  hand,  even  among  you,  and  in  the 
midst  of  your  house. 

19  For  I  was  also  leprous  ;  but  when 
I  saw  this  woman,  and  this  little  infant 
with  her,  whose  name  is  Jesus,  I  sprin- 
kled my  body  with  the  water  with  which 
his  mother  had  washed  him,  and  I  was 
presently  made  well. 

20  And  I  am  certain  that  he  is  also 
capable  of  relieving  you  under  your  dis- 
tress. Wherefore  arise,  go  to  my  mis- 
tress Mary,  and  when  you  have  brought 
her  into  your  parlour,  disclose  to  her  the 
secret,  at  the  same  time  earnestly  be- 
seeching her  to  compassionate  j'our  case. 

21  As  soon  as  the  women  had  heard 
the  girl's  discourse,  they  hastened  away 
to  the  Lady  St.  Mary,  introduced  them- 
selves to  her,  and  sitting  down  before 
her,  they  wept, 

22  And  said,  0  our  Lady  St.  Mary, 
pity  your  handmaids,  for  we  have  no 
head  of  our  family,  no  one  elder  than  us ; 
no  father  or  brother  to  go  in  and  out  be- 
fore us ; 

23  But  this  mule,  which  you  see,  was 
our  brother,  which  some  women  by 
witchcraft  have  brought  into  this  condi- 
tion which  you  see  ;  we  therefore  entreat 
you  to  compassionate  us. 

24  Hereupon  St.  Mary  was  grieved  at 
their  case,  and  taking  the  Lord  Jesus, 
put  him  upon  the  back  of  the  mule, 


25  And  said  to  her  son,  0  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  restore  (or  heal)  according  to  thy 
extraordinary  power  this  mule,  and  grant 
him  to  have  again  the  shape  of  a  man 
and  a  rational  creature,  as  he  had  for- 
merly. 

26  This  was  scarce  said  by  the  Lady 
St.  Mary,  but  the  mule  immediately 
passed  into  a  human  form,  and  became 
a  young  man  Avithout  any  deformity. 

27  Then  he  and  his  mother  and  sis- 
ters worshipped  the  Lady  St.  Mary,  and 
lifting  the  child  upon  their  heads,  they 
kissed  him,  and  said.  Blessed  is  thy 
mother,  0  Jesus,  0  Saviour  of  the  world ! 
Blessed  are  the  eyes  which  are  so  happy 
as  to  see  thee. 

28  Then  both  the  sisters  told  their 
mother,  saying.  Of  a  truth  our  brother  is 
restored  to  his  former  shape  by  the  help 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  kind 
ness  of  that  girl,  who  told  us  of  Mary 
and  her  son. 

29  And  inasmuch  as  our  brother  is 
unmanied,  it  is  fit  that  we  marry  him  to 
this  girl  their  servant. 

30  When  they  had  consulted  St.  Mary 
in  this  matter,  and  she  had  given  her 
consent,  they  made  a  splendid  wedding 
for  this  girl, 

31  And  so  their  sorrow  being  turned 
into  gladness,  and  their  mourning  into 
mirth,  they  began  to  rejoice,  and  make 
merry,  and  sing,  being  dressed  in  their 
richest  attire,  with  bracelets. 

32  Afterwards  they  glorified  and  prais- 
ed Go  J,  saying,  0  Jesus,  son  of  David, 
who  changest  sorrow  into  gladness,  and 
mourning  into  mirth. 

33  After  this  Joseph  and  Mary  tar- 
ried there  ten  days,  then  went  away, 
having  received  great  respect  from  those 
people ;  '^ 

34  Who,  when  they  took  their  leave 
of  them,  and  returned  home,  cried, 

35  But  especially  the  girl. 

CHAP.  VIII 

1  Joseph  and  Mary  jiass  through  a  country  infested 
by  robbers.  3  Titus,  a  liumane  tliief,  oflers  Du- 
machus,  Iiis  comrade,  forty  groats,  to  let  Joseph 
and  Mary  pass  unmolested.  6  Jesus  prophecies 
that  tlie  thieves  Dumachus  and  Titus  shall  be  cru- 
cified with  him,  and  that  Titus  shall  jo  before  him 
into  Paradise.  10  Christ  causes  a  well  to  spring 
from  a  sycamore  tree,  and  Iilary  washes  his  coat 
in  it.  11  A  balsam  grows  there  from  his  sweat. 
12  Thev  go  to  Memphis,  where  Christ  works  more 
mirafles.  14  Return  to  Judwa.  15  Being  warned, 
depart  fur  Nazareth. 

N  their  journey  from  hence  they  came 
into  a  desert  country,  and  were  told 
21 


I 


The  miraculous  well. 


I.  INFANCY. 


Children  healed. 


it  was  infested  with  robbers ;  so  Joseph 
and  St.  Mary  prepared  to  pass  through 
it  in  the  night : 

2  And  as  they  were  going  along,  be- 
hold they  saw  two  robbers  asleep  in  the 
road,  and  with  them  a  great  number  of 
robbers,  who  were  their  confederates, 
also  asleep. 

3  The  names  of  those  two  were  Titus 
and  Dumachus ;  and  Titus  said  to  Du- 
rnachus,  I  beseech  thee  let  those  persons 
go  along  quietly,  that  our  company  may 
not  perceive  anything  of  them. 

4  But  Dumachus  refusing,  Titus  again 
said,  I  will  give  thee  forty  groats,  and  as 
a  pledge  take  my  girdle  ;  which  he  gave 
him  before  he  had  done  speaking,  that  he 
might  not  open  his  mouth  or  make  a  noise. 

5  When  the  Lady  St.  INIary  saw  the 
kindness  which  this  robber  did  shew 
them,  she  said  to  him.  The  Lord  God 
will  receive  thee  to  his  right  hand,  and 
grant  thee  the  pardon  of  thy  sins. 

6  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  answered,  and 
said  to  his  mother,  When  thirty  years 
are  expired,  0  mother,  the  Jews  will 
crucify  me  at  Jerusalem ; 

7  And  these  two  thieves  shall  be  with 
me  at  the  same  time  upon  the  cross,  Titus 
on  my  right  hand,  and  Dumachus  on  my 
left,  and  from  that  time  Titus  shall  go 
before  me  into  Paradise. 

8  And  when  she  had  said,  God  forbid 
this  should  be  thy  lot,  0  my  son,  they 
■vrent  on  to  a  city,  in  which  were  several 
idols ;  which,  as  soon  as  they  came  near 
to  it,  was  turned  into  hills  of  sand. 

9  II  Hence  they  went  to  that  sycamore 
tree,  which  is  now  called  ]\Iatarea ; 

10  And  in  JNIatarea  the  Lord  Jesus 
caused  a  well  to  spring  forth,  in  which 
St.  Mary  washed  his  coat. 

11  And  a  balsam  is  produced,  or 
grows,  in  that  country,  from  the  sweat 
which  ran  down  there  from  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

12  Thence  they  proceeded  to  JMem- 
phis,  and  saw  Pharaoh,  and  abode  three 
years  in  Egypt ; 

13  And  the  Lord  Jesus  did  very  many 
miracles  in  Egypt,  which  are  neither  to 
be  found  in  the  Gospel  of  the  Infancy, 
nor  in  the  Gospel  of  Perfection. 

14  IT  At  th?  end  of  three  years  he  re- 
turned out  of  Egypt,  and  when  he  came 
near  to  Judaea,  Joseph  was  afraid  to  enter; 

15  For  hearing  that  Herod  was  dead, 
and  that  Archelaus  his  son  reigned  in 
his  stead,  he  was  afraid. 

22 


16  And  when  he  went  to  Judaea,  an 
angel  of  God  appeared  to  him,  and  said, 
0  Joseph,  go  into  the  city  Nazareth,  and 
abide  there. 

17  It  is  strange,  indeed,  that  he,  who 
is  the  Lord  of  all  countries,  should  be 
thus  carried  backward  and  forward 
through  so  many  countries. 

CHAP.  IX. 

2  Two  sick  children  cured  by  water  wherein  Christ 
was  washed. 

WHEN  they  came  afterwards  into 
the  city  of  Bethlehem,  they  found 
there  several  very  desperate  distempers, 
which  became  so  troublesome  to  children 
by  seeing  them,  that  most  of  them  died. 

2  There  was  there  a  woman  who  had 
a  sick  son,  whom  she  brought,  when  he 
was  at  the  point  of  death,  to  the  Lady 
St.  JNIary,  who  saw  her  when  she  was 
washing  Jesus  Christ. 

3  Then  said  the  woman,  0  my  Lady 
Mary,  look  down  upon  this  my  son,  who 
is  afflicted  Avith  most  dreadful  pains. 

4  St.  INIary  hearing  her,  said,  Take  a 
little  of  that  water  with  which  I  have 
washed  my  son,  and  sprinkle  it  upon 
him. 

5  Then  she  took  a  little  of  that  water, 
as  St.  Mary  had  commanded,  and  sprin- 
kled it  upon  her  son,  who  bong  wearied 
with  his  violent  pains,  was  fallen  asleep ; 
and  after  he  had  slept  a  little,  awaked 
perfectly  well  and  recovered. 

6  The  mother  being  abundantly  glad 
of  this  success,  went  again  to  St.  Mary, 
and  St.  jMary  said  to  her.  Give  the  praise 
to  God,  who  hath  cured  this  thy  son. 

7  There  was  in  the  same  place  another 
woman,  a  neighbour  of  her  whose  son 
was  now  cured. 

8  This  woman's  son  was  afflicted  with 
the  same  disease,  and  his  eyes  were  now 
almost  quite  shut,  and  she  was  lamenting 
for  him  day  and  night. 

9  The  mother  of  the  child  which  was 
cured  .said  to  her,  Why  do  you  not  bring 
your  son  to  St.  Mary,  as  I  brought  my 
son  to  her,  when  he  was  in  the  very 
agonies  of  death,  and  he  was  cured  by 
the  water  with  which  the  body  of  her 
.son  Jesus  was  washed  .' 

10  When  the  woman  heard  her  say 
this,  she  also  went,  and  having  procured 
the  same  water,  washed  her  son  with  it, 
whereupon  his  body  and  his  eyes  were 
instantly  restored  to  their  former  state 

1 1  And  when  she  brought  her  son  to 


Caleb  and 


I.  INFANCY. 


Bartholomew  cured. 


St.  Mary,  and  opened  his  case  to  her, 
she  commanded  her  to  give  thanks  to 
Grod  for  the  recovery  of  her  son's  health, 
and  to  tell  no  one  what  had  happened. 

CHAP.  X. 

1  Two  wives  of  one  man,  each  have  a  son  sick.  2 
One  of  them,  named  Mary,  and  whose  son's  name 
was  Caleb,  presents  the  Virgin  with  a  handsome 
carpet,  mid  Caleb  is  cured ;  but  the  son  of  the 
other  wife  dies,  4  which  occasions  a  difference 
between  the  women.  5  The  other  wife  puts  Caleb 
into  a  hot  oven,  and  he  is  miraculously  preserved : 
9  sh«  afterwards  throws  him  into  a  well,  and  he 
i>  again  preserved.  11  His  mother  appeals  to  the 
Virgin  against  the  other  wife,  12  whose  downfall 
the  Virgin  prophecies,  13  and  who  accordingly 
falls  into  the  well,  14  therein  fulfi.hng  a  saying  of 
old. 

THERE  were  in  the  same  city  two 
wives  of  one  man,  who  had  each 
a  son  sick.  One  of  them  was  called 
Mary,  and  her  son's  name  was  Caleb. 

2  She  arose,  and  taking  her  son,  went 
to  the  Lady  St.  Mary,  the  mother  of  Je- 
sus, and  offered  her  a  very  handsome 
carpet,  saying,  0  my  Lady  Mary,  accept 
this  carpet  of  me,  and  instead  of  it  give 
me  a  small  swaddling  cloth. 

3  To  this  Mary  agreed ;  and  when  the 
mother  of  Caleb  was  gone,  she  made  a 
coat  for  her  son  of  the  swaddling  cloth, 
put  it  on  him,  and  his  disease  was  cured ; 
but  the  sou  of  the  other  wife  died. 

4  IT  Hereupon  there  arose  between 
them  a  difference  in  doing  the  business 
of  the  family  by  turns,  each  her  week  ; 

5  And  when  the  turn  of  Mary  the 
mother  of  Caleb  came,  and  she  was  heat- 
ing the  oven  to  bake  bread,  and  went 
away  to  fetch  the  meal,  she  left  her  son 
Caleb  by  the  oven ; 

6  Whom  the  other  wife,  her  rival, 
seeing  to  be  by  himself,  took  and  cast 
into  the  oven,  which  was  very  hot,  and 
then  went  away. 

7  Mary  on  her  return  saw  her  son 
Caleb  lying  in  the  middle  of  the  oven 
laughing,  and  the  oven  quite  as  cold  as 
though  it  had  not  been  before  heated, 
and  knew  that  her  rival,  the  other  wife, 
had  thrown  him  into  the  fire. 

8  When  she  took  him  out,  she  brought 
him  to  the  Lady  St.  Mary,  and  told  her 
the  story ;  to  whom  she  replied.  Be  quiet, 
for  I  am  concerned  lest  thou  shouldst 
make  this  matter  known. 

9  After  this  her  rival,  the  other  wife, 
as  she  was  drawing  water  at  the  well, 
and  saw  Caleb  playing  by  the  well,  and 
that  no  one  was  near,  took  him,  and 
threw  him  into  the  well. 


10  And  when  some  men  came  to  fetch 
water  from  the  well,  they  saw  the  boy 
sitting  on  the  superficies  of  the  water, 
and  drew  him  out  with  ropes,  and  were 
exceedingly  surprised  at  the  child,  and 
praised  God. 

11  Then  came  the  mother,  and  took 
him  and  carried  him  to  the  Lady  St. 
Mary,  lamenting  and  saying,  0  my  Lady, 
see  what  my  rival  hath  done  to  my  son, 
and  how  she  hath  cast  him  into  the  well, 
and  I  do  not  question  but  one  time  or 
other  she  will  be  the  cause  of  his  death. 

12  St.  Mary  replied  to  her,  God  will 
vindicate  your  injured  cause. 

13  Accordingly,  a  few  days  after, 
when  the  other  wife  came  to  the  well  to 
draw  water,  her  foot  was  entangled  in 
the  rope,  so  that  she  fell  headlong  into 
the  well,  and  they  who  ran  to  her  assist- 
ance found  her  skull  broken,  and  her 
bones  bruised. 

14  So  she  came  to  a  bad  end,  and  in 
her  was  fulfilled  that  saying  of  the  au- 
thor. They  digged  a  well,  and  made  it 
deep,  but  fell  themselves  into  the  pit 
which  they  prepared. 

CHAP.  XL 

1  Bartholomew,  when  a  child  and  sick,  miraculouily 
restored  by  being  laid  on  Christ's  bed. 

ANOTHER  woman  in  that  city  had 
likewise  two  sons  sick, 

2  And  when  one  was  dead,  the  other, 
who  lay  at  the  point  of  death,  she  took 
in  her  arms  to  the  Lady  St.  Mary,  and 
in  a  flood  of  tears  addressed  herself  to 
her,  saying, 

3  O  my  Lady,  help  and  relieve  me ; 
for  I  had  two  sons,  the  one  I  have  just 
now  buried,  the  other  I  see  is  just  at  the 
point  of  death  :  behold  how  I  (earnestly) 
seek  favour  from  God,  and  pray  to  him. 

4  Then  she  said,  0  Lord,  thou  art 
gracious,  and  merciful,  and  kind :  thou 
hast  given  me  two  sons;  one  of  them 
thou  hast  taken  away,  O  spare  me  this 
other. 

5  St.  Mary  then  perceiving  the  great- 
ness of  her  sorrow,  pitied  her,  and  said. 
Do  thou  place  thy  son  in  my  son's  bed, 
and  cover  him  with  his  clothes. 

6  And  when  she  had  placed  him  in 
the  bed  wherein  Christ  lay,  at  the  mo- 
ment when  his  eyes  were  just  closed  in 
death,  as  soon  as  ever  the  smell  of  the 
garments  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  reached 
the  boy,  his  eyes  were  opened,  and  call- 
ing with  a  loud  voice  to  his  mother,  he 

33 


Diseases  cured  hy 


I.  INFANCY. 


Chrisi's  washing-water. 


asked  for  bread,  and  when  he  had  re- 
ceived it,  he  sucked  it. 

7  Then  his  mother  said,  0  Lady  Mary, 
now  I  am  assured  that  the  powers  of  God 
do  dwell  in  you,  so  that  thy  son  can  cure 
children  who  are  of  the  same  sort  as  him- 
self, as  soon  as  they  touch  his  garments. 

8  This  boy,  who  was  thus  cured,  is 
the  same  who  in  the  Gospel  is  called 
Bartholomew. 

CHAP.  XII. 

1  A  leprous  woman  healed  by  Christ's  washing- 
water.  7  A  princess  healed  bj-  it  and  restored  to 
her  husband. 

AGAIN,  there  was  a  leprous  woman, 
who  went  to  the  Lady  St.  Marj', 
the  mother  of  Jesus,  and  said,  0  my 
Lady,  help  me. 

2  St.  Mary  replied.  What  help  dost 
thou  desire  ?  Is  it  gold  or  silver,  or  that 
thy  body  be  cured  of  its  leprosy  .' 

3  Who,  says  the  woman,  can  grant 
me  this .' 

4  St.  Mary  replied  to  her.  Wait  a  little 
till  I  have  washed  my  son  Jesus,  and  put 
him  to  bed. 

5  The  woman  waited,  as  she  was 
commanded  ;  and  Mary,  when  she  had 
put  Jesus  in  bed,  giving  her  the  water 
with  which  she  had  washed  his  body, 
said,  Take  some  of  the  water,  and  pour 
it  upon  thy  body. 

G  Which  when  she  had  done,  she  in- 
stantly became  clean,  and  praised  God, 
and  gave  thanks  to  him. 

7  If  Then  went  she  away,  after  she 
had  abode  with  her  three  days; 

8  And  going  into  the  city,  she  saw  a 
certain  prince,  who  had  married  another 
prince's  daughter ; 

9  But  when  he  came  to  see  her,  he 
perceived  between  her  e)'es  the  signs  of 
the  leprosy  like  a  star,  and  thereupon 
declared  the  marriage  dissolved  and  void. 

10  When  the  woman  saw  these  per- 
sons in  this  condition,  exceeding  sorrow- 
ful, and  shedding  abundance  of  tears, 
she  inquired  of  them  the  reason  of  their 
crying. 

11  They  replied.  Inquire  not  into  our 
circumstances,  for  we  are  not  able  to 
declare  our  misfortunes  to  an}'  person 
whatsoever. 

12  But  she  still  pressed  and  desired 
them  to  communicate  their  case  to  her ; 
intimating,  that  perhaps  she  might  be 
able  to  direct  them  to  a  remedy. 

13  So  when  they  shewed  the  young 

24 


woman  to  her,  and  the  signs  of  the  le- 
prosy, which  appeared  between  her  eyes, 

14  She  said,  I  also,  whom  ye  see  in 
this  place,  was  afflicted  with  the  same 
distemper,  and  going  on  some  business 
to  Bethlehem,  I  went  into  a  certain  cave, 
and  saw  a  ^^'oman  named  Mary,  who 
had  a  son  called  Jesus. 

1.5  She  seeing  me  to  be  leprous,  was 
concerned  for  me,  and  gave  me  some 
water  with  which  she  had  washed  her 
son's  body;  with  that  I  .sprinkled  my 
body,  and  became  clean. 

Ifj  Then  said  these  women,  Will  you, 
Mistress,  go  along  with  us,  and  shew 
the  Lady  St.  Mary  to  us  ? 

17  To  which  she  consenting,  they 
arose,  and  went  to  the  Lady  St.  Mary, 
taking  with  them  very  noble  presents. 

18  And  when  they  came  in,  and  offer- 
ed their  presents  to  her,  they  shewed  the 
leprous  young  woman  whom  they  had 
brought  with  them  to  her. 

19  Then  said  St.  Mary,  The  mercy  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  rest  upon  you ; 

20  And  giving  them  a  little  of  that 
water  with  which  she  had  washed  the 
body  of  Jesus  Christ,  she  bade  them  wa.sh 
the  diseased  person  with  it ;  which  when 
they  had  done,  she  was  presently  cured. 

21  So  thej',  and  all  who  were  present, 
praised  God ;  and  being  iilled  with  joy, 
they  went  back  to  then-  own  city,  and 
gave  praises  to  God  on  that  account. 

22  Then  the  prince  hearing  that  his 
wife  was  cured,  took  her  home,  and 
made  a  second  marriage,  giving  thanks 
unto  God  for  the  recovery  of  his  wife's 
health. 

CHAP.  xm. 

1  A  girl,  whose  blood  Satan  sucked,  receive!  one  of 
Christ's  swaddling  cloths  from  the  Virgin.  14  Sa- 
tan comes  like  a  dragon,  and  she  shews  it  to  him. 
Flames  and  burning  coals  proceed  from  it  and  fall 
upon  him.  19  He  is  miraculously  discomfited  and 
leaves  the  girl. 

THERE  was  also  a  girl,  who  was 
afflicted  by  Satan ; 

2  For  that  cursed  s])irit  did  frequently 
appear  to  her  in  the  shape  of  a  dragon, 
and  was  inclined  to  swallow  her  up,  and 
had  so  sucked  out  all  her  blood,  that  she 
looked  like  a  dead  carcase. 

3  As  often  as  she  came  to  herself, 
with  her  hands  Avringed  about  her  head, 
she  would  cry  out,  and  say,  Wo,  wo  is 
me,  that  there  is  no  one  to  be  found  who 
can  deliver  me  from  this  impious  dragon ! 

4  Her  father  and  mother,  and  all  who 


Satan  driven 


were  about  her  and  saw  her,  mourned 
and  wept  over  her ; 

5  And  all  who  were  present  would 
especially  be  under  sorrow  and  in  tears, 
when  they  heard  her  bewailing  and  say- 
ing, My  brethren  and  friends,  is  there 
no  one  who  can  deliver  me  from  this 
murderer  ? 

6  Then  the  prince's  daughter,  who 
had  been  cured  of  her  leprosy,  hearing 
the  complaint  of  that  girl,  went  upon  the 
top  of  her  castle,  and  saw  her  with  her 
hands  twisted  about  her  head,  pouring 
out  a  flood  of  teai's,  and  all  the  people 
that  were  about  her  in  sorrow. 

7  She  then  asked  the  husband  of  the 
possessed  person,  Whether  his  wife's 
mother  was  alive  ?  He  told  her.  That 
her  father  and  mother  were  both  alive. 

8  Then  she  ordered  her  mother  to  be 
sent  to  her;  to  whom,  when  she  saw 
her  coming,  she  said.  Is  this  possessed 
girl  thy  daughter.'  She,  moaning  and 
bewailing,  said.  Yes,  madam,  I  bore  her. 

9  The  prince's  daughter  answered. 
Disclose  the  secret  of  her  case  to  me,  for 
I  confess  to  you  that  [  was  leprous,  but 
the  Lady  Mary,  the  mother  of  Jesus 
Christ,  healed  me. 

10  And  if  you  desire  your  daughter 
to  be  restored  to  her  former  state,  take 
her  to  Bethlehem,  and  inquire  for  Mary 
the  mother  of  Jesus,  and  doubt  not  but 
your  daughter  will  be  cured  ;  for  I  do  not 
question  but  you  will  come  home  with 
great  J03'  at  your  daughter's  recovery. 

11  As  soon  as  ever  .she  had  done 
speaking,  she  arose  and  went  with  her 
daughter  to  the  place  appointed,  and  to 
Mary,  and  told  her  the  case  of  her 
daughter. 

12  When  St.  Mary  had  heard  her 
story,  she  gave  her  a  little  of  the  water 
with  which  she  had  washed  her  son  Je- 
sus, and  bade  her  pour  it  upon  the  body 
of  her  daughter. 

13  Likewise  she  gave  her  one  of  the 
swaddling  cloths  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 
said.  Take  this  swaddling  cloth,  and 
shew  it  to  thine  enemy  as  often  as  thou 
seest  him ;  and  .';he  sent  them  away  in 
peace. 

14  ^  After  they  had  left  the  city  and 
returned  home,  and  the  time  was  come 
in  which  Satan  was  wont  to  seize  her, 
in  the  same  moment  this  cursed  spirit 
appeared  to  her  in  the  shape  of  a  huge 
dragon,  and  the  girl  seeing  him  was 
afraid 


L  INFANCY,  from  a  girl 

15  The  mother  said  to  her.  Be  not 
afraid,  daughter;  let  him  alone  till  he 
come  nearer  to  thee,  then  shew  him  the 
swaddling  cloth  which  the  Lady  Mary 
gave  us,  and  we  shall  see  the  event. 

16  Satan  then  coming  like  a  dreadful 
dragon,  the  body  of  the  girl  trembled  for 
fear. 

17  But  as  soon  as  she  had  put  the 
swaddling  cloth  upon  her  head  and  about 
her  eyes,  and  shewed  it  to  him,  pre.sently 
there  issued  forth  from  the  swaddling 
cloth  flames  and  burning  coals,  and  fell 
upon  the  dragon. 

18  Oh  !  how  great  a  miracle  was  this 
Avhich  was  done :  as  soon  as  the  dragon 
saw  the  swaddling  cloth  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus, fire  went  forth,  and  was  scattered 
upon  his  head  and  eyes ;  so  that  he  cried 
out  with  a  loud  voice.  What  have  I  to 
do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou  son  of  Mary  1 
Whither  .shall  I  flee  from  thee  .' 

19  So  he  drew  back  much  affrighted, 
and  left  the  girl. 

20  And  she  was  delivered  from  this 
trouble,  and  sang  praises  and  thanks  to 
God,  and  with  her  all  who  were  present 
at  the  working  of  the  miracle. 

CHAP.  XIV. 

1  Judas,  wlien  a  boy,  possessed  by  Satan,  is  brought 
by  his  parents  to  Jesus  to  be  cured,  6  whom  he 
tries  to  bite,  7  but  failing,  strikes  Jesus,  and  makes 
him  cry  out;  8  whereupon  Satan  leaves  him  in 
the  shape  of  a  dog. 

ANOTHER   woman    likewise    lived 
there,  whose  son  was  possessed  by 
Satan. 

2  This  boy,  named  Juda,s,  as  often  as 
Satan  seized  him,  was  inclined  to  bite 
all  that  were  present ;  and  if  he  found 
no  one  else  near  him,  he  would  bite  his 
own  hands  and  other  parts. 

3  But  the  mother  of  this  miserable 
boy,  hearing  of  St.  Marj-  and  her  son 
Jesus,  arose  presently,  and  taking  her 
son  in  her  arms,  brought  him  to  the  Lady 
Mary. 

4  In  the  mean  time,  James  and  Joses 
had  taken  away  the  infant,  the  Lord 
Jesus,  to  play  at  a  proper  season  with 
other  children ;  and  when  they  went 
forth,  they  sat  down,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
with  them. 

5  Then  Judas,  who  was  possessed, 
came  and  sat  dowii  at  the  right  hand  of 
Jesus. 

6  When  Satan  was  acting  upon  him 
as  usual,  he  went  about  to  bite  the  Lord 
Jesus, 

25 


Christ  animates  clay  figures.  I.  INFANCY.  Performs  sundry  miracles. 


7  And  because  he  could  not  do  it,  he 
struck  Jesus  on  his  right  side,  so  that  he 
cried  out ; 

8  And  in  the  same  moment  Satan  went 
out  from  the  boy,  and  ran  away  like  a 
mad  dog. 

9  This  same  boy  who  struck  Jesus, 
and  out  of  whom  Satan  went  out  in  the 
form  of  a  dog,  was  Judas  Iscariot,  who 
betrayed  him  to  the  Jews. 

10  And  that  same  side,  on  which  Ju- 
das struck  him,  the  Jews  pierced  with  a 
spear. 

CHAP.  XV. 

1  Jesus  and  other  boys  play  together,  and  make  clay 
figures  of  animiils.     4  Jesus  causes  them  to  walk  ; 

6  also  makes  clay  birds,  which  he  causes  to  fly, 

7  The  children's  parents,  alarmed,  take  Jesus  for 
a  sorcerer.  8  He  goes  to  a  dyer's  shop,  and  throws 
all  the  cloths  into  the  furnace,  and  works  a  miracle 
therewith  ;  15  whereupon  the  Jews  praise  God. 

AND  when  the  Lord  Jesus  was  seven 
years  of  age,  he  was  on  a  certain 
day  with  other  boys,  his  companions, 
about  the  same  age, 

2  Who,  when  they  were  at  play, 
made  clay  into  several  shapes,  namely, 
asses,  oxen,  birds,  and  other  tigures, 

3  Each  boasting  of  his  work,  and  en- 
deavouring to  excel  the  rest. 

4  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  said  to  the 
boys,  I  will  command  these  tigures  which 
I  have  made  to  walk. 

5  And  immediately  they  moved  ;  and 
when  he  commanded  them  to  return, 
they  returned. 

6  He  also  made  the  figures  of  birds 
and  sparrows,  which,  when  he  com- 
manded to  fl}',  did  fly,  and  when  he 
commanded  to  stand  still,  did  stand  still ; 
and  when  he  gave  them  meat  and  drink, 
they  did  eat  and  drink. 

7  When  at  length  the  boys  went  away, 
and  related  these  things  to  their  parents, 
their  fathers  said  to  them,  Take  heed, 
children,  for  the  future,  of  his  company, 
for  he  is  a  sorcerer;  shun  and  avoid  him, 
and  from  henceforth  never  play  with  him. 

8  IT  On  a  certain  day  also,  when  the 
Lord  Jesus  was  playing  with  the  boys, 
and  running  about,  he  passed  by  a  dyer's 
shop,  whose  name  was  Salem ; 

9  And  there  were  in  his  shop  many 
pieces  of  cloth  belonging  to  the  people 
of  that  city,  which  they  designed  to  dye 
of  several  colours. 

10  Then  the  Lord  Jesus,  going  into 
the  dyer's  shop,  took  all  the  cloths,  and 
threw  them  into  the  furnace. 

1 1  When  Salem  came  home,  and  saw 

26 


the  cloths  spoiled,  he  began  to  make  a 
great  noise,  saying, 

12  What  hast  thou  done  to  me,  0  thou 
son  of  ]\Iary  .'  Thou  hast  injured  both 
me  and  my  neighbours ;  they  all  desii'ed 
their  cloths  of  a  proper  colour,  but  thou 
hast  come  and  spoiled  them  all. 

13  The  Lord  Je.sus  replied,  I  will 
change  the  colour  of  every  cloth  to  what 
colour  thou  desirest ; 

14  And  then  he  presently  began  to 
take  the  cloths  out  of  the  furnace,  and 
they  were  all  dyed  of  those  colours 
which  the  dyer  desired. 

15  And  when  the  Jews  saw  this  sur- 
prising miracle,  they  praised  God. 

CHAP.  XVL 

1  Christ  miraculously  widens  or  contracts  gates, 
milk-pails,  sieves,  or  boxes,  not  properly  made  by 
Joseph,  4  he  not  being  skilful  at  his  carpenter'a 
trade.  ,5  The  king  of  Jerusalem  gives  Joseph  an 
order  for  a  throne.  6  Joseph  works  on  it  for  two 
years  in  the  king's  palace,  and  makes  it  two  spam 
too  short.  8  The  king  being  angry  with  him,  10 
Jesus  comforts  him  ;  VA  commands  him  to  pull  one 
side  of  the  throne  while  he  pulls  the  other,  and 
brings  it  to  its  proper  dimensions ;  34  whereupon 
the  bystanders  praise  God. 

AND  Joseph,  whcresover  he  went  in 
the  city,  took  the  Lord  Jesus  with 
him,  where  he  was  sent  for  to  work  to 
make  gates,  or  milk-pails,  or  sieves,  or 
boxes;  the  Lord  Jesus  was  with  him, 
wheresoever  he  went. 

2  And  as  often  as  Joseph  had  anything 
in  his  work  to  make  longer  or  shorter,  or 
wider  or  narrower,  the  Lord  Jesus  would 
stretch  his  hand  towards  it, 

3  And  presently  it  became  as  Joseph 
would  have  it ; 

4  So  that  he  had  no  need  to  finish 
anything  with  his  own  hands,  for  he 
was  not  very  skilful  at  his  carpenter's 
trade. 

5  IT  On  a  certain  time  the  King  of  Je- 
rusalem sent  for  him,  and  said,  I  would 
have  thee  make  me  a  throne,  of  the  same 
dimensions  with  that  place  in  which  I 
commonly  sit. 

6  Joseph  obeyed ,  and  forthwith  began 
the  work,  and  continued  two  years  in 
the  king's  palace  before  he  finished  it. 

7  And  when  he  came  to  fix  in  its 
place,  he  found  it  wanted  two  spans  on 
each  side  of  its  appointed  mea.sure. 

8  Which  when  the  king  saw,  he  was 
very  angry  with  Joseph ; 

9  And  Joseph,  afraid  of  the  king's 
anger,  went  to  bed  without  his  supper, 
taking  not  anything  to  eat. 


Bays  changed  to  kids. 


I.  INFANCY. 


Jesus  crowned  with  flowers. 


10  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  asked  him, 
What  he  was  afraid  of .' 

11  Joseph  replied,  Because  I  have  lost 
my  labor  in  the  work  which  I  have  been 
about  these  two  years. 

12  Jesus  said  to  him.  Fear  not,  neither 
be  cast  down. 

13  Do  thou  lay  hold  on  one  side  of 
the  throne,  and  I  will  the  other,  and  we 
will  bring  it  to  its  just  dimensions. 

14  And  when  Joseph  had  done  as  the 
Lord  Jesus  said,  and  each  of  them  had 
with  strength  drawn  his  side,  the  throne 
obeyed,  and  was  brought  to  the  proper 
dimensions  of  the  place. 

15  Which  miracle  when  they  who 
stood  by  saw,  they  were  astonished,  and 
praised  God. 

16  The  throne  was  made  of  the  same 
wood  which  was  in  being  in  Solomon's 
time,  namely,  wood  adorned  with  various 
shapes  and  figures. 

CHAP.  XVII. 

1  Jesus  plays  with  boys  at  hide  and  seek.  3  Some 
women  put  his  play-fellows  in  a  furnace,  7  where 
they  are  transformed  by  Jesus  into  kids.  10  Jesus 
calls  them  to  go  and  play,  and  they  are  restored  to 
their  shape. 

^N  another  day  the  Lord  Jesus  going 
out  into  the  street,  and  seeing  some 
boys  who  were  met  to  play,  joined  him- 
self to  their  company ; 

2  But  when  tney  saw  him,  they  hid 
themselves,  and  left  him  to  seek  for 
them. 

3  The  Lord  Jesus  came  to  the  gate  of 
a  certain  house,  and  asked  some  women 
Avho  were  standing  there,  Where  the 
boys  were  gone  ? 

4  And  when  they  answered.  That 
there  was  no  one  there ;  the  Lord  Jesus 
said.  Who  are  those  whom  ye  see  in  the 
furnace .' 

5  They  answered,  They  were  kids  of 
three  years  old. 

6  Then  Jesus  cried  out  aloud,  and 
said,  Come  out  hither,  O  ye  kids,  to  your 
shepherds. 

7  And  presently  the  boys  came  forth 
like  kids,  and  leaped  about  him  ;  which 
when  the  women  saw,  they  were  ex- 
ceedingly amazed,  and  trembled. 

8  Then  they  immediately  worshipped 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  beseeched  him,  say- 
ing, 0  our  Lord  Jesus,  son  of  Mary,  thou 
art  truly  that  good  shepherd  of  Israel ! 
have  mercy  on  thy  handmaids  who  stand 
before  thee,  who  do  not  doubt  but  that 


thou,  0  Lord,  art  come  to  save,  and  not 
to  destroy. 

9  After  that,  when  the  Lord  Jesus 
said.  The  children  of  Israel  are  like  Ethi- 
opians among  the  people;  the  women 
said,  Thou,  Lord,  knowest  all  things, 
nor  is  anything  concealed  from  thee: 
but  now  we  entreat  thee,  and  beseech 
of  thy  mercy,  that  thou  wouldst  restore 
those  boys  to  their  former  state. 

10  Then  Jesus  said.  Come  hither,  0 
boys,  that  we  may  go  and  play ;  and 
immediately,  in  the  presence  of  these 
women,  the  kids  were  changed,  and  le- 
turned  into  the  shape  of  boys. 

CHAP.  xvni. 

1  Jesus  becomes  the  king  of  his  play-fellows,  and 
they  crown  him  with  tlnwers.  4  He  miraculously 
causes  a  serpent  who  had  bitten  Simon  the  Ca- 
naanite,  then  a  boy,  to  suek  out  all  the  poison 
again.  16  The  serpent  bursts,  and  Christ  restores 
the  boy  to  health. 

IN  the  month  Adar  Jesus  gathered  to- 
gether the  boys,  and  ranked  them  as 
though  he  had  been  a  king  : 

2  For  they  spread  their  garments  on 
the  ground  for  him  to  sit  on ;  and  having 
made  a  crown  of  flowers,  put  it  upon  his 
head,  and  stood  on  his  right  hand  and 
left  as  the  guards  of  a  king ; 

3  And  if  any  one  happened  to  pass 
by,  they  took  him  by  force,  and  said, 
Come  hither,  and  worship  the  king,  that 
you  may  have  a  prosperous  journey. 

4  IT  In  the  mean  time,  while  these 
things  Avere  doing,  there  came  certain 
men,  carrying  a  boy  upon  a  couch : 

5  For  this  boy  having  gone  with  his 
companions  to  the  mountain  to  gather 
wood,  and  having  found  there  a  par- 
tridge's nest  and  put  his  hand  in  to  take 
out  the  eggs,  was  stung  by  a  poisonous 
serpent,  which  leaped  out  of  the  nest ; 
so  that  he  was  forced  to  cry  out  for  the 
help  of  his  companions,  who,  when  they 
came,  found  him  lying  upon  the  earth, 
like  a  dead  person. 

6  After  which  his  neighbours  came, 
and  carried  him  back  into  the  city. 

7  But  when  they  came  to  the  place 
where  the  Lord  Jesus  was  sitting  like  a 
king,  and  the  other  boys  stood  around 
him  like  his  ministers,  the  boys  made 
haste  to  meet  him  who  was  bitten  by 
the  serpent,  and  said  to  his  neighbours, 
Come  and  pay  your  respects  to  the 
king. 

8  But  when,  by  reason  of  their  sorrow, 
they  refused  to   come,  the  boys  drew 

27 


Miracles  of  the  serpents 


I.  INFANCY. 


and  the  broken  pitcher. 


them  and  forced  them  against  their  wills 
to  come. 

9  And  when  they  came  to  the  Lord 
Jesus,  he  inquired,  On  what  account  they 
carried  that  boy .' 

10  And  when  they  answered,  that  a 
serpent  had  bitten  him,  the  Lord  Jesus 
said  to  the  boys.  Let  us  go  and  kill  that 
serpent. 

1 1  But  when  the  parents  of  the  boj' 
de.sired  to  be  excused,  because  their  .son 
lay  at  the  point  of  death,  the  boys  made 
an.swer  and  .said.  Did  not  ye  hear  what 
the  king  said  ?  Let  us  go  and  kill  the 
serpent ;  and  will  not  ye  obey  him  .' 

12  So  they  brought  the  couch  back 
again,  whether  they  would  or  not. 

13  And  when  they  were  come  to  the 
nest,  Je,sus  said  to  the  boys.  Is  this  the 
serpent's  lurking-place .'  They  said,  It 
was. 

14  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  calling  the 
serpent,  it  presently  came  forth,  and  sub- 
mitted to  him ;  to  whom  he  said.  Go  and 
suck  out  all  the  poison  which  thou  hast 
infused  into  tliat  boy. 

15  So  the  serpent  crept  to  the  boy, 
and  took  away  all  its  poison  again. 

16  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  cursed  the 
serpent,  so  that  it  immediately  burst 
asunder,  and  died. 

17  And  he  touched  the  boy  with  his 
hand  to  restore  him  to  his  former  health ; 

18  And  when  he  began  to  cry,  he  said. 
Cease  crying,  for  hereafter  thou  shalt  be 
my  disciple. 

19  And  this  is  that  Simon  the  Canaan- 
ite,  who  is  mentioned  in  the  Gospel. 

CHAP.  VIII. 

1  James  being  bitten  by  a  viper,  Jesus  blows  on  the 
wound  and  cures  him.  4  Jesus  charged  with 
throwing  a  boy  from  the  roof  of  a  house  ;  10  mi- 
raculously caiises  the  dead  boy  to  acquit  him  ;  12 
fetches  water  for  his  mother,  breaks  the  pitcher, 
and  miraculously  gathers  the  water  in  his  mantle 
and  brings  it  home :  16  makes  fish-pools  on  the 
Sabbath  ;  20  causes  a  boy  to  die  who  broke  them 
down  ;  22  another  boy  runs  against  him,  whom  he 
also  causes  to  die. 

ON  another  day,  Joseph  sent  his  son 
James   to   gather  wood,  and   the 
J.,ord  Jesus  went  with  him  ; 

2  And  when  they  came  to  the  place 
where  the  wood  was,  and  James  began 
to  gather  it,  behold,  a  venomous  viper 
bit  him,  so  that  he  began  to  cry  and 
make  a  noise. 

3  The  Lord  Jesus  seeing  him  in  this 
condition,  came  to  him,  and  blowed  upon 

28 


the  place  where  the  viper  had  bitten  him 
and  it  was  instantly  well. 

4  II  On  a  certain  day  the  Lord  Je.sus 
was  with  some  boys  who  were  playing 
on  the  house-top,  and  one  of  the  boys 
fell  down,  and  presently  died. 

5  LTpon  which  the  other  boys  all  run- 
ning away,  the  Lord  Jesus  was  left  alone 
on  the  hou,se-top. 

C  And  the  boy's  relations  came  to  him 
and  said  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  Thou  didst 
throw  our  son  down  from  the  house-top .' 

7  But  he  denying  it,  they  cried  out. 
Our  son  is  dead,  and  this  is  he  who 
killed  him. 

8  The  Lord  Jesus  replied  to  them.  Do 
not  charge  me  with  a  crime  of  which 
you  are  not  nble  to  convict  me,  but  let 
us  go  ask  the  boy  himself,  who  will 
bring  the  truth  to  light. 

9  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  going  down, 
stood  over  the  head  of  the  dead  boy,  and 
said  with  a  loud  voice,  Zeiimnus,  Zei- 
nunus,  who  threw  thee  down  from  the 
house-top .' 

10  Then  the  dead  boy  answered.  Thou 
didst  not  throw  me  down,  but  such  a  one 
did. 

1 1  And  when  the  Lord  Jesu^.  bade  those 
who  stood  by  take  notice  of  his  words, 
all  who  were  present  praised  God  on  ac- 
count of  that  miracle. 

12  1!  On  a  certain  time  the  Lady  St. 
Mary  had  commanded  the  Lord  Jesus  to 
fetch  her  some  water  out  of  the  well. 

13  And  when  he  had  gone  to  fetch 
water,  the  pitcher,  Avhen  it  was  brought 
up  full,  brake ; 

14  But  Jesus  spreading  his  mantle 
gathered  up  the  water  again,  and  brought 
it  in  that  to  his  mother ; 

15  Who,  being  astonished  at  this 
wonderful  thing,  laid  up  this,  and  all  the 
other  things  which  she  had  seen,  in  her 
memory 

16  IT  Again  on  finother  day  the  Lord 
Jesus  was  with  some  boys  by  a  river, 
and  they  drew  water  out  of  the  river  by 
little  channels,  and  made  little  fish-pools. 

1 7  But  the  Lord  Jesus  had  made  twelve 
sparrows,  and  placed  them  about  his  pool 
on  each  side,  three  on  a  side. 

18  But  it  was  the  sabbath-day,  and 
the  son  of  Hanani,  a  Jew,  came  by,  and 
saw  them  making  these  things,  and  said. 
Do  ye  thus  make  figures  of  clay  on  the 
sabbath  ?  And  he  ran  to  them,  and  broke 
down  their  fish-pools. 

19  But  when  the  Lord  Jesus  clapped 


Jesm  sent  to  school 


I    INFANCY. 


Disputes  with  the  doctors. 


his  hands  over  the  sparrows  which  he 
had  made,  they  fled  away  chirping. 

20  At  length  the  son  of  Hanani  com- 
ing to  the  fish-pool  of  Jesus  to  destroy 
it,  the  water  vanished  away,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  said  to  him, 

21  In  like  manner  as  this  watei'  has 
vanished,  so  shall  thy  life  vanish;  and 
presently  the  boy  died. 

22  IT  Another  time,  when  the  Lord 
Jesus  was  coming  home  in  the  evening 
with  Joseph,  he  met  a  boy,  who  ran  so 
hard  against  him,  that  he  threw  him 
down; 

23  To  whom  the  Lord  Jesus  said.  As 
thou  hast  thrown  me  down,  so  shalt  thou 
fall,  nor  ever  rise. 

24  And  that  moment  the  boy  fell 
down,  and  died. 

CHAP.  XX. 

4  Sent  to  school  to  Zaccheus  to  leani  his  letters,  and 
teaches  Zaccheus.  13  Sent  to  another  school- 
master; 14  refuses  to  tell  his  letters,  and  the 
schoolmuster  going  to  whip  him,  his  hand  withers, 
and  he  dies. 

THERE  was  also  at  Jerusalem  one 
named    Zaccheus,    who    was    a 
schoolmaster ; 

2  And  he  said  to  Joseph,  Joseph,  why 
dost  thou  not  send  Jesus  to  me,  that  he 
may  learn  his  letters  .' 

3  Joseph  agreed,  and  told  St.  Mary. 

4  So  they  brought  him  to  that  master; 
who,  as  soon  as  he  saw  him,  wrote  out 
an  alphabet  for  him, 

5  And  he  bade  him  to  say  Aleph ;  and 
when  he  had  said  Aleph,  the  master  bade 
him  pronounce  Beth. 

6  Then  the  Lord  Jesus  said  to  him. 
Tell  me  first  the  meaning  of  Aleph,  and 
then  I  will  pronounce  Beth. 

7  And  when  the  master  threatened  to 
whip  him,  the  Lord  Jesus  explained  to 
him  the  meaning  of  the  letters  Aleph 
and  Beth ; 

8  Also  which  were  the  straight  figures 
of  the  letters,  which  the  oblique,  and 
what  letters  had  double  figures ;  which 
had  points,  and  which  had  none ;  why 
one  letter  went  before  another;  and  many 
other  things  he  began  to  tell  him,  and 
explain,  of  which  the  master  himself  had 
never  heard,  nor  read  in  any  book. 

9  The  Lord  Jesus  farther  .said  to  the 
master,  Take  notice  how  I  say  to  thee; 
then  he  began  clearly  and  distinctly  to 
say  Aleph,  Beth,  Gimel,  Daleth,  and  so 
on  to  the  end  of  the  alphabet. 


[  1 0  At  this  the  master  was  so  surprised, 
that  he  said,  I  believe  this  boy  was  born 
before  Noah ; 

11  And  turning  to  Joseph,  he  said, 
Thou  hast  brought  a  boy  to  me  to  be 
taught,  who  is  more  learned  than  any 
master. 

12  He  said  also  to  St.  Mary,  This 
your  son  has  no  need  of  any  learning. 

13-5  They  brought  him  then  to  a  more 
learned  master,  who,  when  he  saw  him, 
said,  Say  Aleph. 

14  And  Avhen  he  had  said  Aleph,  the 
ma.ster  bade  him  pronounce  Beth ;  to 
which  the  Lord  Jesus  replied,  Tell  me 
first  the  meaning  of  the  letter  Aleph,  and 
then  I  will  pronounce  Beth. 

15  But  this  master,  when  he  lifted  up 
his  hand  to  whip  him,  had  his  hand  pre- 
sently withered,  and  he  died. 

16  Then  said  Joseph  to  St.  Mary, 
Henceforth  we  will  not  allow  him  to  go 
out  of  the  house ;  for  every  one  who 
displeases  him  is  killed. 

CHAP.  XXL 

2  Disputes  miraculously  with  the  doctors  in  the  tem- 
ple, 7  on  law,  9  on  astronomy,  12  on  physics  and 
metaphysics.  21  Is  worshipped  by  a  philosophef, 
28  and  j'etchcd  home  by  his  mother. 

AND  when  he  was  twelve  years  old, 
they  brought  him  to  Jerusalem  to 
the  feast ;  and  Avhen  the  feast  was  over 
they  returned : 

2  But  the  Lord  Jesus  continued  behind 
in  the  temple  among  the  doctors  and  el- 
ders, and  learned  men  of  Israel;  to  whom 
he  proposed  several  questions  of  learn- 
ing, and  also  gave  them  answers  : 

3  For  he  said  to  Uiem,  Whose  son  is 
the  Messiah  .'  They  answered.  The  son 
of  David. 

4  Why  then,  .said  he,  does  he  in  the 
spirit  call  him  Lord  .'  when  he  said.  The 
Lord  said  to  my  Lord,  sit  thou  at  my 
right  hand,  till  I  have  made  ihine  ene- 
mies thy  footstool. 

5  Then  a  certain  principal  Rabbi  ask- 
ed him.  Hast  thou  read  books  .' 

6  Jesus  answered,  He  had  read  both 
books,  and  the  things  which  were  con- 
tained in  books. 

7  And  he  explained  to  them  the  books 
of  the  law,  and  precepts,  and  statutes, 
and  the  mysteries  which  are  contained 
in  the  books  of  the  prophets;  things 
which  the  mind  of  no  creature  could 
reach. 

8  Then  said  that  Rabbi,  I  never  yet 

29 


Christ  worshipped, 


I.  INFANCY. 


and  is  baptized. 


have  seen  or  heard  of  such  knowledge ! 
what  do  you  think  that  boy  will  be  ? 

9  If  When  a  certain  astronomer,  who 
was  present,  asked  the  Lord  Jesus, 
Whether  he  had  studied  astronomy  ? 

10  The  Lord  Jesus  replied,  and  told 
him  the  number  of  the  spheres  and  hea- 
venly bodies,  as  also  their  triangular, 
square,  and  sextiie  aspect ;  their  progres- 
sive and  retrograde  motion  ;  their  size 
and  several  prognostications;  and  other 
things,  Avhich  the  leason  of  man  had 
never  discovered. 

11  IT  There  was  also  among  them  a 
certain  philosopher  well  skilled  in  physic 
and  natural  philosophy,  who  asked  the 
Lord  Jesus,  Whether  he  had  studied 
physic  ? 

12  He  replied,  and  explained  to  him 
physics  and  metaphysics ; 

13  Also  those  things  which  were 
above  and  below  the  power  of  nature ; 

14  The  powers  also  of  the  body,  its 
humours  and  their  effects ; 

15  Also  the  number  of  its  members, 
and  bones,  veins,  arteries,  and  nerves ; 

16  The  several  constitutions  of  body, 
hot  and  dry,  cold  and  moist,  and  the  ten- 
dencies of  them ; 

17  How  the  soul  operated  upon  the 
body; 

18  What  its  various  sensations  and 
faculties  were ; 

19  The  faculty  of  speaking,  auger, 
desire ; 

20  And  lastly,  the  manner  of  its  com- 
position and  dissolution ;  and  other  things 
which  the  understanding  of  no  creature 
had  ever  reached. 

21  Then  that  philosopher  arose,  and 
worshipped  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  said,  0 
Lord  Jesus,  from  henceforth  I  will  be 
thy  disciple  and  servant. 

22  IT  While  they  were  discouring  on 
these  and  such  like  things,  the  Lady  St. 
ISIary  came  in,  having  been  three  days 
walking  about  with  Joseph,  seeking  for 
him. 

23  And  when  she  saw  him  among  the 
doctor^,  and  in  his  turn  proposing  ques- 
tions to  them,  and  giving  answers,  she 
said  to  him.  My  son,  why  hast  thou 


done  thus  by  ns.'  Behold,  I  and  thy 
father  have  been  at  much  pains  in  seek- 
ing thee. 

24  He  replied.  Why  did  ye  seek  me  ? 
Did  ye  not  know  that  I  ought  to  be  em- 
ployed in  my  Father's  house  ? 

25  But  they  understood  not  the  words 
which  he  said  to  them. 

26  Then  the  doctors  asked  Mary, 
Whether  this  were  her  son  .'  And  when 
she  answered.  He  was,  they  said,  0  hap- 
py Mary,  who  hast  borne  such  a  son  ! 

27  Then  he  returned  with  them  to 
Nazareth,  and  obeyed  them  in  all  things, 

28  And  his  mother  kept  all  these  say- 
ings in  her  mind. 

29  And  the  Lord  Jesus  grew  in  stature 
and  wisdom,  and  favour  with  God  and 
man. 

CHAP.  xxn. 

1  Conceals  his  miracles,  2  studies  the  law,  3  and  ii 
baptized. 

NOW  from  this  time  Jesus  began  to 
conceal   his    miracles  and   secret 
works, 

2  And  gave  himself  to  the  study  of  the 
law,  till  he  arrived  to  the  end  of  his  thir- 
tieth year ; 

3  At  which  time  the  Father  publicly 
owned  him  at  Jordan,  sending  down  thjs 
voice  from  heaven.  This  is  my  beloved 
son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased ; 

4  The  Holy  Ghost  being  also  present 
in  the  form  of  a  dove. 

5  This  is  he  whom  we  worship  with 
all  reverence,  because  he  gave  us  our 
life  and  being,  and  brought  us  from  our 
mother's  womb ; 

6  Who,  for  our  sakes,  took  a  human 
body,  and  hath  redeemed  us,  that  so  he 
might  embrace  us  with  everlasting  mercy, 
and  shew  his  free,  large,  bountiful  grace 
and  goodness  to  us. 

7  To  him  be  glory  and  praise,  and 
power,  and  dominion,  from  henceforth 
and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

TT  The  end  of  the  whole  Gospel  of  the  In- 
faiicy,  by  the  assistance  of  the  supreme 
God,  according  to  what  we  found  in 
the  original. 


80 


Jesus  animatti  clay  sparrows.      II.  INFANdY. 


Withers  dnd  cures  a  boy. 


THOMAS'S  GOSPEL  of  the  INFANCY  of  JESUS  CHRIST. 

[The  original  in  Greek,  from  which  this  translation  is  made,  will  be  found  printed  by  Cotelerius,  in  his  notes 
on  the  constitutions  of  the  Apostles,  from  a  MS.  in  the  French  King  s  Library,  No.  2279. — It  is  attri- 
buted to  Thomas,  and  conjectured  to  have  been  originally  connected  with  the  Gospel  of  Mary.] 


IT  An  Accovtit  of  the  Actions  atid  Mir- 
acles of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  in  his  Infancy. 

CHAP.  I. 

U  Jesus  miraculously  clears  the  water  after  rain  ;  4 
plays  with  clay  sparrows,  which  he  animates  on 
the  sabbath  day. 

I  THOMAS  an  Israelite,  judged  it  ne- 
cessary to  make  known  to  our  breth- 
ren among  the  Gentiles,  the  actions  and 
miracles  of  Christ  in  his  childhood,  which 
our  Lord  and  God  Jesus  Christ  wrought 
after  his  birth  in  Bethlehem  in  our  coun- 
try, at  which  I  myself  was  astonished ; 
the  beginning  of  which  was  as  follow- 
eth  : 

2  ir  When  the  child  Jesus  was  five 
years  of  age,  and  there  had  been  a  show-  | 
er  of  rain,  which  was  now  over,  Jesus 
was  playing  with  other  Hebrew  boys  by 
a  running  stream ;  and  the  water  run- 
ning over  the  banks,  stood  in  little  lakes; 

3  But  the  waters  instantly  became 
clear  and  useful  again  ;  he  having  smote 
them  only  by  his  word,  they  readily 
obeyed  him. 

4  Then  he  took  from  the  bank  of  the 
stream  some  soft  clay,  and  formed  out  of 
it  twelve  sparrows  ;  and  there  were  other 
boys  playing  with  him. 

5  But  a  certain  Jew  seeing  the  things 
which  he  was  doing,  namely,  his  form- 
ing clay  into  the  figures  of  sparrows  on 
the  sabbath  day,  went  presently  away, 
and  told  his  father  Joseph,  and  said, 

6  Behold,  thy  boy  is  playing  by  ihe 
river  side,  and  has  taken  clay,  and  form- 
ed it  into  twelve  sparrows,  and  profaneth 
the  sabbath. 

7  Then  Joseph  came  to  the  place 
where  he  was,  and  when  he  saw  him, 
called  to  him,  and  said.  Why  doest  thou 
that  which  it  is  not  lawful  to  do,  on  the 
sabbath  day  r 

8  Then  Jesus  clapping  together  the 
palms  of  his  hands,  called  to  the  spar- 
rows, and  said  to  them:  Go,  fly  away; 
and  while  ye  live  remember  me. 

9  So  the  sparrows  fled  away,  making 
a  noise. 


1 0  The  Jews  seeing  this,  were  aston- 
ished, and  went  away,  and  told  their 
chief  persons  what  a  strange  miracle 
they  had  seen  wrought  by  Jesus. 

CHAP.  II. 

1  Causes  a  boy  to  wither  who  broke  down  his  fish- 
pools  ;  C  partly  restores  him  ;  7  kills  another  boy  ; 
16  causes  blindness  to  fall  on  his  accusers,  18  for 
which  Joseph  pulls  him  by  the  ear. 

BESIDES  this,  the  son  of  Anna  the 
scribe  was  standing  there  with  Jo- 
seph, and  took  a  bough  of  a  willow  tree, 
and  scattered  the  waters  which  Jesus  had 
gather  into  lakes. 

2  But  the  boy  Jesus  seeing  what  he 
had  done,  became  angry,  and  said  to  him. 
Thou  fool,  what  harm  did  the  lakes  do 
tliee,  that  thou  shouldest  scatter  the  wa- 
ter .' 

3  Behold  now  thou  shalt  wither  as  a 
tree,  and  shalt  not  bring  forth  either 
leaves,  or  branches,  or  fruit. 

4  And  immediately  he  became  with- 
ered all  over. 

5  Then  Jesus  went  away  home.  But 
the  parents  of  the  boy  who  was  withered, 
lamenting  the  misfortunes  of  his  youth, 
took  and  carried  him  to  Joseph,  accusing 
him,  and  said.  Why  dost  thou  keep  a 
son  who  is  guilty  of  such  actions  .' 

6  Then  Jesus  at  the  request  of  ail  who 
were  present  did  heal  him,  leaving  only 
one  small  member  to  continue  withered, 
that  they  might  take  warning. 

7  IT  Another  time  Jesus  went  forth 
into  the  street,  and  a  boy  running  bj', 
rushed  upon  his  shoulder ; 

8  At  which  Jesus  being  angry,  said  to 
him.  Thou  shalt  go  no  farther. 

9  And  he  instantly  fell  down  dead  : 

10  Which  when  some  persons  saw, 
they  said.  Where  was  this  boy  born, 
that  every  thing  which  he  says  presently 
cometh  to  pass  ? 

1 1  Then  the  parents  of  the  boy  going 
to  Joseph  complained,  saying,  You  are 
not  fit  to  live  with  us,  in  our  city,  having 
such  a  boy  as  that : 

12  Either  teach  him  that  he  bless,  and 
not  curse,  or  else  depart  hence  with  him, 
for  he  kills  our  children. 

31 


His  enemies  punished.        CHRIST  AND  ABGARUS.         Teaches  his  instructor. 


13  f  Then  Joseph  calling  the  boy  Je- 
sus by  himself,  instructed  him,  saying, 
Whydoest  thou  such  things  to  injure  the 
people,  so  that  they  hate  us  and  perse- 
cute us  ? 

14  But  Jesus  replied,  I  know  that 
what  thou  sayest  is  not  of  thyself,  but 
for  thy  sake  I  will  say  nothing ; 

15  But  they  who  have  said  these 
things  to  thee,  shall  suffer  everlasting 
punishment. 

16  And  immediately  they  who  had 
accused  him,  became  blind, 

17  And  all  they  who  saw  it  were 
exceedingly  afraid  and  confounded, 
and  said  concerning  him,  Whatsoever 
he  saith,  whether  good  or  bad,  imme- 
diately Cometh  to  pass :  and  they  were 
amazed. 

18  And  when  they  saw  this  action  of 
Christ,  Joseph  arose,  and  plucked  him  by 
the  ear,  at  which  the  boy  was  angry,  and 
said  to  him,  Be  easy ; 

19  For  if  they  seek  for  us,  they  shall 
not  find  us :  thou  hast  done  very  impru- 
dently. 

20  Dost  thou  not  know  that  I  am 
thine  ^     Trouble  me  no  more. 

CHAP.  Ill 

Astonishes  his  schoohnaster  hy  his  learning. 

A  CERTAIN  schoolmaster,  named 
Zaccheus,  standing  in  a  certain 
place,  heard  Jesus  speaking  these  things 
to  his  father ; 


2  And  he  was  much  surprised,  that 
being  a  child  he  should  speak  such 
things ;  and  after  a  few  days  he  came 
to  Joseph,  and  said, 

3  Thou  hast  a  wise  and  sensible  child, 
send  him  to  me,  that  he  may  learn  to 
read. 

4  When  he  sat  down  to  teach  the  let- 
ters to  Jesus,  he  began  with  the  first  let- 
ter, Aleph  ; 

5  But  Jesus  pronounced  the  second 
letter  Mpeth  (Beth,)  Cghimel  (Gimel,) 
and  said  over  all  the  letters  to  him  to  the 
end. 

6  Tlien  opening  a  book,  he  taught  his 
master  the  prophets;  but  he  was  asham- 
ed, and  was  at  a  loss  to  conceive  how 
he  came  to  know  the  letters. 

7  And  he  arose  and  went  home, 
wonderfully  surprised  at  so  strange  a 
thing. 

CHAP.  IV. 

Fragment  of  an  adventure  at  a  dyer's. 

AS  Jesus  was  passing  by  a  certain 
shop,  he  saw  a  young  man  dipping 
(or  dyeing)  some  cloths  and  stockings  in 
a  furnace,  of  a  sad  colour,  doing  them 
according  to  every  person's  particular 
order ; 

2  Tlie  boy  Jesus  going  to  the  young 
man  who  was  doing  this,  took  also  some 
of  the  cloths     *     =f:     *     * 

IT  Here  endeth  the  Fragment  of  Thomas's 
Gospel  of  the  Infancy  of  Jesus  Christ. 


The  EPISTLES  of  JESUS  CHRIST  and  ABGARUS,  KING 

of  EDESSA. 


fThe  first  writer  who  makes  any  mention  of  the  Epistles  that  passed  between  Jesus  Christ  and  Abgarus,  is 
Eusebius,  Bithop  of  Ca-saren,  in  Palestine,  who  flourished  in  the  early  part  of  the  foiirtli  century.  For 
their  genuineness,  he  appeals  to  the  public  registries  and  records  of  the  City  of  Edessa,  in  Mesopota 
mia,  where  Ahgarus  reigned,  ai'd  wh^re  he  affirms  that  he  found  them  written  in  the  Syriac  language. 
He  published  a  Greek  translation  of  them,  in  his  Ecclesiastical  History  .a  The  learned  world  has  been 
much  divided  on  this  subject:  but,  notwithstanding  the  erudite  Grabe,  with  Archbishop  Cave,  Dr. 
Parker,  and  other  divines,  have  strenuously  contended  for  their  admission  into  the  canon  of  Scripture, 
they  are  deemed  apocryphal  The  Rev.  Jeremiah  Jones  observes,  that  the  common  people  in  England 
have  this  Epi»tle  in  their  houses,  in  many  places,  fixed  in  a  frame,  with  the  picture  of  Christ  before  it ; 
and  that  they  generally,  with  much  honesty  and  devotion,  regnnl  it  as  the  Word  of  God.  and  the  gen- 
uine Epistle  of  Christ.] 


CHAP.  1. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  written  by  King  Abgarus  to  Jesus, 
and  sent  to  him  by  Ananias,  his  footman,  to  Jeru- 
salem ;  5  inviting  him  to  Edessa. 


32 


ABC4ARUS,  King  of  Edessa,  to  Jesii.s 
the  good  Saviour,  who  appears  at 
Jerusalem,  greeting. 

2  I  have  been  informed    concerning 
you  and  your  cures,  which  are  perform 


Letters  of 


CHRIST  AND  ABGARUS. 


Christ  and  Abgarus. 


ed  without  the  use   of   medicines  and 
herbs. 

3  For  it  is  reported,  that  you  cause 
the  blind  to  see,  the  lame  to  walk,  do 
both  cleanse  lepers,  and  cast  out  unclean 
spirits  and  devils,  and  restore  them  to 
health  who  have  long  been  diseased,  and 
raisest  up  the  dead  : 

4  All  which  when  I  heard,  I  was  per- 
suaded of  oneof  these  two,  viz.  either  that 
you  are  God  himself  descended  from 
heaven,  who  do  these  things,  or  the  son 
of  God. 

5  On  this  account  therefore  I  have 
wrote  to  you,  earnestly  to  desire  you 
would  take  the  trouble  of  a  journey  hith- 
er, and  cure  a  disease  which  I  am  under. 

6  For  I  hear  the  Jews  ridicule  you, 
and  intend  you  mischief. 

7  My  city  is  indeed  small,  but  neat, 
and  large  enough  for  us  both. 


CHAP.  n. 


The  answer  of  Jesus  by  Ananias  the  footman  to  Ab- 
garus the  king,  3  declining  to  visit  Edessa. 

ABGARUS,  you  are  happy,  forasmuch 
as  you  have  believed  on  me,  whom 
you  have  not  seen. 

2  For  it  is  written  concerning  me,  that 
those  who  have  seen  me  should  not  be- 
lieve on  me,  that  they  who  have  not  seen 
might  believe  and  live. 

3  As  to  that  part  of  your  letter,  which 
relates  to  my  giving  you  a  visit,  I  must 
inform  you,  that  I  must  fulfil  all  the  ends 
of  my  mission  in  this  country,  and  after 
that  be  received  up  again  to  him  who 
sent  me. 

4  But  after  my  ascension  I  will  send 
one  of  my  disciples,  who  will  cure  your 
disease,  and  give  life  to  you,  and  all  that 
are  with  you. 


The  GOSPEL  of  NICODEMUS,  formerly  called  the  ACTS  of 
POi\TIUS  PILATE. 


[Although  this  Gospel  is,  by  some  among  the  learned,  suppo';ed  to  have  been  really  written  by  Nicodenius, 
who  became  a  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  conversed  with  him,  others  conjecture,  that  it  was  a  for- 
gery towards  the  close  of  the  third  century  by  some  zealous  believer,  who  observing  that  there  nad 
been  appeals  made  by  the  Christians  of  the  former  age,  to  the  Acts  of  Pilate,  but  that  such  Acts  could 
not  be  produced,  imngined  that  it  would  be  of  service  to  C'hristinuitv  to  fabricate  and  publish  this  Gos- 
pel ;  as  it  woi'ld  both  confirm  the  Christians  under  persecution,  and  convince  the  fleathens  of  the 
truth  of  the  Ciiristian  religion.  The  Rev.  Jeremiah  Jones  says,  that  such  pious  frauds  were  very  com- 
mon among  the  Christians  even  in  the  first  three  centuries  ;  and  that  a  forgery  of  this  nature,  with  ths 
view  above  mentioned,  seems  natural  and  probable.  The  same  author,  in  noticing  that  Eusebius,  in 
his  Ecclesiastical  History,  charges  the  Pagans  with  having  forged  and  published  a  book,  called  "  The 
Acts  of  Pilate,"  takes  occasion  to  observe,  that  the  internal  evidence  of  this  Gospel  shows  it  was  not 
the  work  of  any  Heathen  ;  but  that  if  in  the  latter  end  of  the  third  century  we  tind  it  in  use  anion" 
Christians  (and  it  was  certainly  then  read  in  some  churches,)  and  about  the  same  time  find  a  forgery 
of  the  Heathens  under  the  same  title,  it  seems  exceedmg  probable  that  some  Christians,  at  that  time, 
should  publish  such  a  piece  as  this,  in  order  jiartly  to  confront  the  spurious  one  of  the  Pagans,  and 
partly  to  support  those  appeals  which  had  been  made  by  former  Christrians  to  the  Acts  of  Pilate  ;  and 
Mr.  Jones  says  he  thinks  so  the  more,  particularly  as  we  have  innumerable  instances  of  forgeries  by  the 
faithful  in  the  primitive  ages,  grounded  on  less  plausible  reasons.  Whether  it  be  canonical  or  not,  it  is 
of  very  great  antiquity,  and  is  appealed  to  by  several  of  the  ancient  Christians.  The  present  transla- 
tion is  made  from  the  Gosi)el,  published  by  Grynx'us  in  the  Orthodo.\ographa,  vol.  i.  torn.  ii.  p.  643. 


The  Gospel  of  Nicodemus  the  Disciple, 
concerning  the  sufferings  and  Resur- 
rection of  our  Master  and  Saviour, 
Jesus  Christ. 

CHAP.  I. 

1  Christ  accused  to  Pilate  by  the  Jews  of  healing  on 
the  sabbath  ;  9  summoned  before  Pilate  by  a  mes- 
eenger  who  does  him  honor  ;  20  worshipped  by  the 
standards  bowing  down  to  him. 


ANNAS  and  Caiphas,  and  Summas, 
and  Datam,  Gamaliel,  Judas,  Levi, 
Nepthalim,  Alexander,  Cyrus,  and  other 
Jews,  went  to  Pilate  aboat  Jesus,  accu.s- 
ing  him  with  many  bad  crimes. 

2  And  said.  We  are  assured  that  Jesus 
is  the  son  of  Joseph  the  carpenter,^  and 

»Matt.  xiii.  55.  and  John,  vi.  42. 

33 


The  Jews  complain  NICODEMUS. 


of  Jesus  to  Pilate. 


born  of  Mary,  and  that  he  declares  him- 
self the  Son  of  God,  and  a  king ;''  and 
not  only  so,  but  attempts  the  dissolution 
of  the  sabbath,'^  and  the  laws  of  our 
fathers. 

3  Pilate  replied  ;  What  is  it  which  he 
declares  ?  and  what  is  it  which  he  at- 
tempts dissolving  ? 

4  The  Jews  told  him,  We  have  a  law 
which  forbids  doing  cures  on  the  sabbath 
day ;''  but  he  cures  both  the  lame  and  the 
deaf,  tliose  afflicted  with  the  palsjr,  the 
blind,  and  lepers,  and  demoniacs,  on  that 
day  by  wicked  methods.* 

5  Pilate  replied.  How  can  he  do  this 
by  wicked  methods  ?  They  answered. 
He  is  a  conjuror,  and  casts  out  devils  by 
the  prince  of  the  the  devils/  and  .so 
all  things  become  subject  to  him. 

6  Then  said  Pilate,  Casting  out  devils  j 
seems  not  to  be  the  work  of  an  unclean 
spirit,  but  to  proceed  from  the  power  of 
God. 

7  The  Jews  replied  to  Pilate,  We  en-  | 
treat  your  highness  to  summon  him  to  i 
appear   before  your  tribunal,  and  hear 
him  yourself. 

8  Then  Pilate  called  a  messenger,  and  \ 
said  to  liini,  By  what  means  will  Christ ! 
be  brought  hither .' 

9  Then  went  the  messenger  forth,  and 
knowing  Christ,  worshipped  him ;  and 
having  spread  the  cloak  which  he  had 
in  his  hand  upon  the  ground,  he  said. 
Lord,  walk  upon  this,  and  go  in,  for  the 
governor  calls  thee. 

10  When  tlie  Jews  perceived  what  the 
messenger  liad  done,  they  exclaimed 
(again&t  him)  to  Pilate,  and  said,  AVhy 
do  you  not  give  liim  his  summons  by  a 
beadle,  and  Jiot  by  a  messenger .' — For 
the  messenger,  when  he  saw  him,  wor- 
shipped him,  and  spread  the  cloak  which 
he  had  in  his  hand  upon  the  ground  be- 
fore him,  and  said  to  him.  Lord,  the  gov- 
ernor calls  thee. 

11  Then  Pilate  called  the  messenger, 
and  said,  ^Vhy  hast  thou  done  thus  .'' 

12  Ihs  messenger  replied.  When  thou 
sentest  me  from  Jerusalem  to  Alexander, 
1  saw  Jesus  billing  in  a  mean  figure  upon 
a  she-ass,  and  the  children  of  the  He- 
brews cried  out,  Hosannah,  holding 
boughs  of  trees  in  their  hands. 

1 3  Others  spread  their  garments  in  the 


0  Jolin,  V.  17,  le.  Mark,  xv.  2.  c  Matt.  xii.  2,  fee. 
Luke,  xiii.  14.  Jolin,  v.  18.  J  Exod.  xi.  8,  &c 
•  Matt,  iv  24.  and  xl  5.  f  Mall.  ix.  34  and  xii.  24,  &c. 

34 


way,  and  said,  Save  us,  thou  who  art  in 
heaven ;  blessed  is  he  who  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord.s 

14  Then  the  Jews  cried  out  against 
the  messenger,  and  said,  The  children 
of  the  Hebrews  made  their  acclamations 
in  the  Hebrew  language  ;  and  howcould- 
est  thou  who  art  a  Greek,  understand  the 
Hebrew  ? 

1 5  The  messenger  then  answered  them 
and  said.  What  is  this  which  tlie  chil- 
dren do  ciy  out  in  the  Hebrew  language  f 

16  And  he  explained  it  to  me,  saying, 
They  crj'  out  Hosannah,  which  being  in- 
terpreted, is,  0  Lord,  save  nie ;  or,  O 
Lord,  save. 

17  Pilate  then  said  to  them,  Wliy  do 
you  yourselves  testify  to  the  words  spo- 
ken by  the  children,  namely,  by  your 
silence  ?  In  what  has  the  messenger 
done  amiss  .'     And  they  were  silent. 

18  Then  the  governor  said  unto  the 
messenger.  Go  forth,  and  endeavour  by 
any  means  to  bring  him  in. 

19  But  the  mes.senger  went  forth,  and 
did  as  before ;  and  said.  Lord,  come  in, 
for  the  governor  calleth  thee. 

20  And  as  Jesus  was  going  in  by  the 
ensigns,  who  carried  the  standards,  the 
tops  of  them  bowed  down,  and  wor- 
shipped Jesus. 

21  Whereupon  tlie  Jews  exclaimed 
more  vehemently  against  the  ensigns. 

22  But  Pilate  said  to  the  Jews,  I  know 
it  is  not  pleasing  to  you  that  the  tops  of 
the  standards  did  of  themselves  bow,  and 
worship  Jesus ;  but  why  do  ye  exclaim 
against  the  ensigns,  as  if  they  had  bow- 
ed and  worshipped. 

23  They  replied  to  Pilate,  We  saw 
the  ensigns  themselves  bowing  and  wor- 
shipping Jesus. 

24  Then  the  governor  called  the  en- 
signs, and  said  unto  them.  Why  did  you 
do  thus .' 

25  The  ensigns  said  to  Pilate,  We  are 
all  pagans,  and  worship  the  gods  in  tem- 
ples ;  and  how  should  we  think  anything 
about  worshipping  him  .'  We  only  held 
the  standards  in  our  hands,  and  they 
bowed  themselves  and  worshipped  him. 

26  Tiien  said  Pilate  to  the  rulers  of 
the  synagogue,  Do  ye  yourselves  choose 
some  strong  men,  and  let  them  hold  the 
standards,  and  we  shall  see  whether  they 
will  then  bend  of  themselves. 

27  So  the  elders  of  the  Jews  sought 

£  Matt.  xxi.  8,  9,  &c. 


Jeius  arraigned  for 


NICODEMUS. 


healing  on  the  sablath. 


out  twelve  of  the  most  strong  and  able 
old  men,  and  made  them  hold  the  stand- 
ards ;  and  they  stood  in  the  presence  of 
the  governors. 

28  Then  Pilate  said  to  the  messenger, 
Take  Jesus  out,  and  by  some  means  bring 
him  in  again.  And  Jesus  and  the  mes- 
senger went  out  of  the  hall. 

29  And  Pilate  called  the  ensigns  who 
before  had  borne  the  standards,  and  swore 
to  them,  that  if  they  had  not  borne  the 
standards  in  that  manner  when  Jesus  be- 
fore entered  in,  he  would  cut  off  their 
heads. 

30  Then  the  governor  commanded  Je- 
sus to  come  in  again. 

31  And  the  messenger  did  as  he  had 
done  before,  and  very  much  entreated 
Jesus  that  he  would  go  upon  his  cloak, 
and  walk  on  it ;  and  he  did  walk  upon 
it,  and  went  in. 

32  And  when  Jesus  went  in,  the  stan- 
dards bowed  themselves  as  before,  and 
worshipped  him. 

CHAP.  II. 

2  Is  compassionated  by  Pilate'e  wife ;  7  charge(1 
with  being  born  in  fornication  ;  testimony  to  the 
betrothing  of  his  parents.  Hatred  of  the  Jews  to 
him. 

"OW  when  Pilate  saw  this,  he  was 
afraid,  and  was  about  to  rise  from 
his  seat. 

2  But  while  he  thought  to  rise,  his 
own  wife,  who  stood  at  a  distance,  sent 
to  him,  saying,  Have  thou  nothing  to  do 
with  that  just  man  ;  for  I  have  suffered 
much  concerning  him  in  a  vision  this 
night. 

3  When  the  Jews  heard  this,  they 
eaid  to  Pilate,  Did  we  not  say  unto  thee. 
He  is  a  conjuror.'  Behold,  he  hath 
caused  thy  wife  to  dream. 

4  Pilate  then  calling  Jesus,  said.  Hast 
thou  heard  what  they  testify  against 
thee,  and  makest  no  answer  .' 

5  Je.sus  replied.  If  they  had  not  a 
power  of  speaking,  they  could  not  have 
gpoke ;  but  because  every  one  has  the 
command  of  his  own  tongue,  to  speak 
both  good  and  bad,  let  them  look  to  it. 

6  But  the  elders  of  the_  Jews  answer- 
ed, and  said  to  Jesus,  What  shall  we 
look  to  ? 

7  In  the  first  place,  we  know  this  con- 
cerning thee,  that  thou  was  born  through 
fornication ;  secondly,  that  upon  the  ac- 

h  Matt,  xxvii.  19. 


count  of  thy  birth,  the  infants  were  slain 
in  Bethlehem;  thirdly,  that  thy  father 
and  mother  Mary  fled  into  Egypt,  be- 
cause they  could  not  trust  their  own 
people. 

8  Some  of  the  Jews  who  stood  by, 
spake  more  favorably ;  We  cannot  say 
that  he  was  born  through  fornication ; 
but  we  know  that  his  mother  Mary  was 
betrothed  to  Joseph,  and  so  he  was  not 
born  through  fornication. 

9  Then  said  Pilate  to  the  Jews  who 
affirmed  him  to  be  born  through  fornica- 
tion. This  your  account  is  not  true,  see- 
ing there  was  a  betrothment,  as  they  tes- 
tify who  are  of  your  own  nation. 

10  Annas  and  Caiphas  spake  to  Pilate, 
All  this  multitude  of  people  is  to  be  re- 
garded, who  cry  out,  that  he  was  born 
through  fornication,  and  is  a  conjuror; 
but  they  who  deny  him  to  be  born 
through  fornication,  are  his  proselytes 
and  disciples. 

11  Pilate  replied  to  Annas  and  Cai- 
phas, Who  are  the  proselytes .'  They 
answered.  They  are  those  who  are  the 
children  of  Pagans,  and  are  not  become 
Jews,  but  followers  of  him. 

12  Then  rephed  Eleazar  and  Asterius, 
and  Antonius,  and  James,  Caras  and 
Samuel,  Isaac  and  Phinees,  Crispus  and 
Agrippa,  Annas  and  Judas,  we  are  not 
proselytes,  but  children  of  Jews,  and 
speak  the  truth,  and  were  present  when 
Mary  v^'as  betrothed. 

13  Then  Pilate  addressing  himself  to 
the  twelve  men  who  spaks  this,  said  to 
them.,  I  conjure  you  by  the  life  of  Cassar, 
that  ye  faithfully  declare  whether  he  was 
born  through  fornication,  and  those  things 
be  true  which  ye  have  related. 

14  They  answered  Pilate,  We  have  a 
a  law,  whereby  we  are  forbid  to  swear, 
it  being  a  sin ;  let  them  swear  by  the 
life  of  Caesar  that  it  is  not  as  we  have 
said,  and  we  will  be  contented  to  be  put 
to  death. 

15  Then  said  Annas  and  Caiphas  to 
Pilate,  Those  twelve  men  will  not  be- 
lieve that  we  know  him  to  be  basely 
born,  and  to  be  a  conjuror,  although  he 
pretends  that  he  is  the  Son  of  God,  and 
a  king ;'  which  we  are  so  far  from  be- 
lieving, that  we  tremble  to  hear. 

16  Then  Pilate  commanded  everyone 
to  go  out  except  the  twelve  men  who 
said  he  was  not  born  through  fornica- 


I  John,  V.  17,  18.    Murk  XV.  2. 

35 


Pilate  defends 


NICODEMUS 


Jesus  front  the  Jews. 


tion,  and  Jesus  to  withdraw  to  a  dis- 
tance, and  said  to  them,  Why  have  the 
Jews  a  mind  to  kill  Jesus  ? 

17  They  answered  him.  They  are  an- 
gry because  he  wrought  cures  on  the 
sabbath  day.  Pilate  said.  Will  they  kill 
him  for  a  good  work  ?''  They  say  unto 
him.  Yes,  sir. 

CHAP.  III. 

1  Is  exonerated  by  Pilnte.     11  Disputes  with  Pilate 
concerning  truth. 

THEN  Pilate,  filled  with  anger,  went 
out  of  the  hall,  and  saia  to  the 
Jews,  I  call  the  whole  world  to  witness 
that  I  find  no  fault  in  that  man  ' 

2  The  Jews  replied  to  Pilate,  If  he 
had  not  been  a  wicked  person,  we  had 
not  brought  him  before  thee. 

3  Pilate  said  to  them,  Do  ye  take  him, 
and  try  him  by  your  law. 

4  Then  the  Jews  said.  It  is  not  law- 
ful for  us  to  put  any  man  to  death. 

5  Pilate  said  to  the  Jews,  The  com- 
mand therefore.  Thou  shalt  not  kill,'"  be- 
longs to  you,  but  not  to  me. 

6  And  he  went  again  into  the  hall, 
and  called  Jesus  by  himself,  and  said  to 
him.  Art  thou  the  king  of  the  Jews  ? 

7  And  Jesus  answering,  said  to  Pilate, 
Dost  thou  speak  this  of  thyself,  or  did 
the  Jews  tell  it  thee  concerning  me  .' 

8  Pilate  answering,  said  to  Jesus,  Am 
I  a  Jew  .'  The  whole  nation  and  rulers 
of  the  Jews  have  delivered  thee  up  to 
me.     What  hast  thou  done  .> 

9  Jesus  answering,  said.  My  kingdom 
is  not  of  this  world  :  if  my  kingdom 
were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  ser- 
vants fight,  and  I  should  not  have  been 
delivered  to  the  Jews  ;  but  now  my  king- 
dom is  not  from  hence. 

10  Pilate  said,  Art  thou  a  king  then  .' 
Je.sus  answered,  Thou  sayest  that  I  am 
a  king:  to  this  end  was  I  born,  and  for 
this  end  came  I  into  the  world  ;  and  for 
this  purpose  I  came,  that  I  should  bear 
witness  to  the  truth  ;  and  every  one  who 
is  of  the  truth,  heareth  my  voice. 

1 1  Pilate  saith  to  him.  What  is  truth  .' 

12  Jesus  said,  Truth  is  from  heaven. 

13  Pilate  said,  Therefore  truth  is  not 
on  earth. 

14  Jesus  saith  to  Pilate,  Believe  that 
truth  is  on  earth  among  those,  who  when 


13. 


k  John,  X.  32.    1  John,  xviii.  31,  &c.   m  Exod.  xx. 
I 


they  have  the  power  of  judgment,  are 
governed  by  truth,  and  form  right  judg- 
ment. 

CHAP.  IV. 

1  Pilate  finds  no  fault  in  Jesus.     16  The  Jews  de- 
mand his  crucitrxion. 

THEN  Pilate  left  Jesus  in  the  hall, 
and  went  out  to  the  Jews,  and  said, 
I  find  not  any  one  fault  in  Jesus. 

2  The  Jews  say  unto  him.  But  he  said, 
I  can  destroy  the  temple  of  God,  and  in 
three  days  build  it  up  again 
.    3  Pilate  saith  unto   them.  What  sort 
of  temple  is  that  of  which  he  speaketh  .' 

4  The  Jews  say  unto  him,  that  which 
Solomon  was  forty-six  years  in  building," 
he  said  he  would  destroy,  and  in  three 
days  build  up. 

5  Pilate  .said  to  them  again,  I  am  in- 
nocent from  the  blood  of  that  man ;  do 
ye  look  to  it.° 

6  The  Jews  say  to  him.  His  blood  be 
upon  us  and  our  children  Then  Pilate 
calling  together  the  elders  and  scribes, 
priests  and  Levitts,  saith  to  them,  pri- 
vately. Do  not  act  thus ;  I  have  found 
nothing  in  your  charge  (against  him) 
concerning  his  curing  sick  persons,  and 
breaking  tlie  sabba,th,  worthy  of  death. 

7  The  priests  and  Levites  replied  to 
Pilate,  By  the  life  of  Cssar,  if  any  one 
be  a  blasphemer,  he  is  worthy  of  death  ;P 
but  this  man  hath  blasphemed  against  the 
Lord. 

8  Then  the  governor  again  command- 
ed the  Jews  to  depart  out  of  the  hall ; 
and  calling  Jesus,  said  to  him,  W^liat 
shall  I  do  with  thee  ? 

9  Jesus  answered  him.  Do  according 
as  it  is  written. 

10  Pilate  said  to  him,  How  is  it  writ- 
ten ? 

11  Jesus  saith  to  him,  Moses  and  the 
prophets  have  prophesied  concerning  my 
suffering  and  resurrection. 

12  The  Jews  hearing  this,  were  pro- 
voked, and  said  to  Pilate,  Why  wilt  thou 
any  longer  hear  the  blasphemy  of  that 
man  .' 

19  Pilate  saith  to  them.  If  these  words 
seem  to  you  blasphemy,  do  ye  take  him, 
bring  him  to  your  court,  and  try  him  ac- 
cording to  your  law. 

14  The  Jews  reply  to  Pilate,  Our  law 
saith,  that  if  one  man  injure  another,  he 
shall  be  obliged  to  receive  nine  and  thir- 


56 


n  John,  ii.  20    "  Matt,  xxvii.  24.     P  Lev.  xiiv.  16. 


Nicodemus  defends  Jesus, 


NICODEMUS. 


recounting  his  miracles. 


ty  stripes ;  but  if  after  this  manner  he 
shall  blaspheme  against  the  Lord,  he 
shall  be  stoned. 

15  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  If  that 
speech  of  his  was  blasphemy,  do  ye  try 
him  according  to  your  law. 

16  The  Jews  say  to  Pilate,  Our  law 
commands  us  not  to  put  any  one  to 
death  ;T  we  desire  that  he  may  be  cruci- 
fied, because  he  deserves  the  death  of  the 
cross. 

17  Pilate  saith  to  them.  It  is  not  fit  he 
should  be  crucified ;  let  him  be  only 
whipped  and  sent  away.' 

18  But  when  the  governor  looked 
upon  the  people  that  were  present  and 
the  Jews,  he  saw  many  of  the  Jews  in 
tears,  and  said  to  the  chief  priests  of  the 
Jews,  All  the  people  do  not  desire  his 
death. 

19  The  elders  of  the  Jews  answered 
to  Pilate,  We  and  all  the  people  came 
hither  for  this  very  purpose,  that  he 
should  die. 

20  Pilate  saith  to  them,  Why  should 
he  die .' 

21  They  said  to  him,  Because  he  de- 
clares himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  and 
a  king. 

CHAP.  V. 

1  Nicodemus  speaks  in  defence  of  Christ,  and  relates 
his  miracles.  12  Another  Jew,  20  with  Veroni- 
ca, 34  Centurio,  and  others,  testify  of  other  mira- 
cles. 

BUT  Nicodemus,  a  certain  Jew,  stood 
before  the  governor,  and  said,  I  en- 
treat thee,  0  righteous  judge,  that  thou 
wouldst  favor  n>e  with  the  liberty  of 
speaking  a  few  words. 

2  Pilate  said  to  him,  Speak  on. 

3  Nicodemus  said,  I  spake  to  the  elders 
of  the  Jews,  and  the  scribes,  and  priests, 
and  Levites,  and  nil  the  multitude  of  the 
Jews,  in  their  a  mbly  ;  What  is  it  ye 
would  do  with  tl.  _;  man  .' 

4  He  is  a  man  who  hath  wrought 
many  useful  and  glorious  miracles,  such 
as  no  man  on  earth  ever  wrought  before, 
nor  will  ever  work.^  Let  him  go,  and  do 
him  no  harm:  if  he  cometh  from  tSod, 
his  miracles  (his  miraculous  cures)  will 
continue ;  but  if  from  men,  they  will 
come  to  nought.' 

5  Thus  Moses,  when  he  was  sent  by 
God  into  Egypt,  wrought  the  miracles 


q  Exod.  XX.  13    r  Luke,  xxiii.  16.    «  John,  iii  2. 
Acts,  V.  38. 


which  God  commanded  him,  before  Pha- 
raoh king  of  Egypt ;  and  though  the  ma- 
gicians of  that  country,  Jannes  and  Jam- 
bres,"  wrought  by  their  magic  the  same 
miracles  which  Moses  did,  yet  they  could 
not  work  all  which  he  did  :'' 

6  And  the  miracles  which  the  magi- 
cians wrought,  were  not  of  God,  as  ye 
know,  0  Scribes  and  Pharisees ;  but  they 
who  wrought  them  jierished,  and  all  who 
believed  them.^^ 

7  And  now  let  this  man  go ;  because 
the  very  miracles  for  which  ye  accuse 
him,  are  from  God  ;  and  he  is  not  wor- 
thy of  death. 

8  The  Jews  then  said  to  Nicodemus, 
Art  thou  become  his  disciple,  and  ma- 
king speeches  in  his  favour .' 

9  Nicodemus  said  to  them.  Is  the  gov- 
ernor become  his  disciple  also,  and  does 
he  make  speeches  for  him .'  Did  not 
Caesar  place  him  in  that  high  post  .■■ 

10  When  the  Jews  heard  this,  they 
trembled,  and  gnashed  their  teeth  at 
Nicodemus,  and  said  to  him,  Mayest  thou 
receive  his  doctrine  for  truth,  and  have 
thy  lot  with  Chri.st ! 

1 1  Nicodemus  repUed,  Amen ;  1  will 
receive  his  doctrine,  and  my  lot  with 
him,  as  ye  have  said. 

12  IT  Then  another  certain  Jew  rose 
up,  and  desired  leave  of  the  governor  to 
hear  him  a  few  words. 

13  And  the  governor  said.  Speak  what 
thou  hast  a  mind. 

14  And  he  said,  I  lay  for  thirty-eight 
years  by  the  sheep-pool  at  Jerusalem, 
labouring  under  a  great  infirmity,  and 
waiting  for  a  cure  which  should  be 
wrought  by  the  coming  of  an  angel,  who 
at  a  certain  .time  troubled  the  water  ;  and 
whosoever  fir.st  after  the  troubling  of  the 
water  stepped  in,  was  made  whole  of 
whatsoever  disease  he  had. 

15  And  when  Jesus  saw  me  languish- 
ing there,  he  said  to  me,  Wilt  thou  be 
made  whole?  And  I  answered.  Sir,  I 
have  no  man,  when  the  water  is  trou- 
bled, to  put  me  into  the  pool. 

16  And  he  said  unto  me.  Rise,  take 
up  thy  bed,  and  walk.  And  I  was  im- 
mediately made  whole,  and  took  up  my 
bed  and  walked.'' 

17  The  Jews  then  said  to  Pilate,  Our 


u  These  are  mentioned  also  as  the  names  of  the  ma- 
gicians, 2  Tim.  iii.  8.  V  Exod.  viii.  18,  &c.  w  Acts, 
V.  3.5.  An  allusion  to  Ganiuliel's  speech,  x  John,  v, 
1,  2,  &.C. 

37 


Testimony  of  those 


NICODEMUS. 


who  had  been  healed 


lord  governor,  pray  ask  him  what  day 
it  was  on  which  he  cured  him  of  his  in- 
firmity. 

18  The  infirm  person  replied,  It  was 
on  the  sabbath. 

19  The  Jews  said  to  Pilate,  Did  we 
not  say  that  he  wrought  his  cures  on  the 
sabbath,  and  cast  out  devils  by  the  prince 
of  devils .' 

20  Thpn  another  certain  yJew  came 
forth,  and  said,  I  was  blind,  could  hear 
sounds,  but  could  not  see  any  one ;  and 
as  Jesus  was  going  along,  I  heard  the 
multitude  passing  hy,  and  asked  what 
was  there .' 

21  They  told  me  that  Jesus  was  pass- 
ing by  :  then  I  cried  out,  saying,  Jesus, 
Son  of  David,  have  mercy  upon  me. 
And  he  stood  still,  and  commanded  that 
I  should  be  brought  to  him,  and  said  to 
me,  What  wilt  thou  .' 

22  I  said,  Lord,  that  I  may  receive  my 
sight. 

23  He  said  to  me,  receive  thy  sight ; 
and  presently  I  saw,  and  followed  him, 
rejoicing  and  giving  thanks. 

24  Another  Jew  also  came  forth,  and 
said,^  1  was  a  leper,  and  he  cured  me  by 
his  word  only,  saying,  I  will,  be  thou 
clean ;  and  presently  1  was  cleansed  from 
my  leprosy. 

25  And  another  Jew  came  forth,  and 
said,  I  was  crooked,  and  he  made  me 
straight  by  his  word." 

26  IT  And  a  certain  woman  named  Ve- 
ronica said,''  I  was  afflicted  with  an  issue 
of  blood  twelve  years,  and  I  touched  the 
hem  of  his  garment,  and  presently  the 
issue  of  my  blood  stopped. 

27  The  Jews  then  said,  We  have  a 
law,  that  a  woman  shall  not  be  allowed 
as  an  evidence. 

28  And,  after  other  things,  another 
Jew  said,"^  I  saw  Jesus  invited  to  a  wed- 
ding with  his  disciples,  and  there  was  a 
want  of  wine,  in  Cana  of  Galilee ; 

29  And  when  the  wine  was  all  drank, 
he  commanded  the  servants  that  they 
should  fill  six  pots  which  were  there 
with  water,  and  they  filled  them  up  to 
the  brim,  and  he  blessed  them,  and  turned 
the  water  into  wine ;  and  all  the  people 
drank,  being  surprised  at  this  miracle. 


y  Mark,  x.  46.  z  Mntt.  viii.  3,  &c.  a  Luke,  xii. 
Jl,  &c.  t>  Matt.  ix.  20,  &c.  See  concerning  this 
woman  called  Veronica,  on  whom  this  miracle  was 
performed,  and  the  statue  which  she  erected  to  the 
nonour  of  Christ,  in  Eiiseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  7,  c.  18. 
•  John,  ii.  1,  &.C.    d  Luke,  iv.  33,  &.c. 

38 


30  And  another  Jew  stood  forth,  and 
said,  *  I  saw  Jesus  teaching  in  the  syna- 
gogue at  Capernaum ;  and  there  was  in 
the  synagogue  a  certain  man  who  had  a 
devil ;  and  he  cried  out,  saying,  Let  me 
alone ;  what  have  we  to  do  with  thee, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  .'  Art  thou  come  to 
destroy  us.'  I  know  that  thou  art  the 
Holy  One  of  God. 

31  And  Jesus  rebuked  him,  saying, 
Hold  thy  peace,  unclean  spirit,  and  come 
out  of  the  man  ;  and  presently  he  came 
out  of  him,  and  did  not  at  all  hurt  him. 

32  The  following  things  were  also 
said  by  a  Pharisee :  I  saw  that  a  great 
company  came  to  Jesus  from  Galilee  and 
Judaea  and  the  sea-coast,  and  many  coun- 
tries about  Jordan  ;  and  many  infirm  per- 
sons came  to  him,  and  he  healed  them 
all.' 

33  And  I  heard  the  unclean  spirits 
crying  out,  and  saying,*"  Thou  art  the 
Son  of  God  And  Jesus  strictly  charged 
them,  that  they  should  not  make  him 
known. 

34  II  After  this  another  person,  whose 
name  was  Centurio,  said,*  I  saw  Jesus 
in  Capernaum,  and  I  entreated  him,  say- 
ing, Lord,  my  servant  lieth  at  home  sick 
of  the  palsy 

35  And  Jesus  said  to  me,  I  will  come 
and  cure  him. 

36  But  I  said.  Lord,  I  am  not  worthy 
that  thou  shouldst  come  under  my  rooi ; 
but  only  speak  the  word,  and  my  ser- 
vant shall  be  healed. 

37  And  Jesus  said  unto  me.  Go  thy 
way ;  and  as  thou  hast  believed,  so  be  it 
done  unto  thee.  And  my  servant  was 
healed  from  that  same  hour. 

38  Then  a  certain  nobleman  said,  I 
had  a  son  in  Capernaum,  who  lay  at  the 
point  of  death ;  and  when  I  heard  that 
Jesus  was  come  into  Galilee,  I  went  and 
besought  him  th?'  he  v\-ould  come  down 
to  my  house,  and  heal  my  son,  for  he 
was  at  the  point  of  death. 

39  He  said  to  me,  Go  thy  way,  thy 
son  liveth. 

40  And  my  son  was  cured  from  that 
hour. 

41  Besides  these,  also  many  others  of 
the  Jews,  both  men  and  women,  cried 
out  and  said.  He  is  truly  the  Son  of  God, 
who  cures  all  diseases  only  by  his  word, 
and  to  whom  the  devils  are  altogether 
subject. 


t  Mark,  iv.  24,    t  Mark,  iii.  11.    C  Matt.  viii.  5,  tte. 


Christ's  death  demancied. 


42  Some  of  them  farther  said,  This 
power  can  proceed  from  none  but  God. 

43  Pilate  said  to  the  Jews,  Why  are 
not  the  devils  subject  to  your  doctors  ? 

44  Some  of  them  said,  The  power  of 
subjecting  devils  cannot  proceed  hut  from 
God. 

45  But  others  said  to  Pilate,  That  he 
had  ^  raised  Lazarus  from  the  dead ,  after 
he  had  been  four  days  in  his  grave. 

46  The  governor  hearing  this,  trem- 
bling said  to  the  multitude  of  the  Jews, 
What  will  it  profit  you  to  shed  innocent 
blood  .' 

CHAP.  VI. 

1  Pilate  dismayed  at  the  turbulence  of  the  Jews,  5 
who  demand  Barabbas  to  be  released,  and  Christ 
to  be  crucified.  9  Pilate  warmly  expostulates 
with  them,  20  washes  his  hands  of  Christ's  blood, 
23  and  sentences  him  to  be  whipped  and  crucified. 

THEN  Pilate  having  called  together 
Nicodemus,  and  the  fifteen  men 
who  said  that  Jesus  was  not  born  through 
fornication,  said  to  them.  What  shall  we 
do,  seeing  there  is  like  to  be  a  tumult 
among  the  people  ? ' 

2  They  say  unto  him,  We  know  not ; 
Jet  them  look  to  it  who  raise  the  tumult. 

3  Pilate  then  called  the  multitude 
again,  and  said  to  them.  Ye  know  that 
ye  have  a  custom,  that  I  should  release 
to  you  one  prisoner  at  the  feast  of  the 
passover : 

4  I  have  a  noted  prisoner,  a  murderer, 
who  is  called  Barabbas,  and  Jesus  who 
is  called  Christ,  in  whom  I  find  nothing 
that  deserves  death :  which  of  them 
therefore  have  you  a  mind  that  I  should 
release  to  you  ."^ 

5  They  all  cry  out,  and  say.  Release 
to  us  Barabbas. 

6  Pilate  saith  to  them,  W^hat  then 
shall  I  do  with  Jesus  who  is  called 
Christ  ? 

7  They  all  answer,  Let  him  be  cruci- 
fied. 

8  Again  they  cry  out  and  say  to  Pi- 
late, Yon  are  not  the  friend  of  Caesar,  if 
you  release  this  man ;'  for  he  hath  de- 
clared that  he  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  a 
king.  But  are  you  inclined  that  he  should 
be  king,  and  not  Caesar .' 

9  Then  Pilate  filled  with  anger  said 
to  them,  Your  nation  hath  always  been 
seditious,  and  you  are  always  against 
those  who  have  been  serviceable  to  you. 

10  The  Jews  replied,  Who  are  those 
who  have  been  serviceable  to  us  ? 


NICODEMUS.  Pilate  exculpates  himself. 

11  Pilate  answered  them.  Your  God 
who  delivered  you  from  the  hard  bond- 
age of  the  Egyptians,  and  brought  you 
over  the  Red  Sea  as  though  it  had  been 
dry  land,  and  fed  you  in  the  wilderness 
with  manna  and  the  flesh  of  quails,  and 
brought  water  out  of  the  rock,  and  gave 
you  a  law  from  heaven  ; 

12  Ye  provoked  him  all  ways,  and 
desired  for  yourselves  a  molten  calf,  and 
worshipped  it,  and  sacrified  to  it,  and 
said.  These  are  thy  Gods,  0  Israel,  which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ! 

13  On  account  of  which  your  God 
was  inclined  to  destroy  you ;  but  Moses 
interceded  for  you,  and  your  God  heard 
him,  and  forgave  your  iniquity. 

1 4  Afterwards  ye  were  enraged  against 
and  would  have  killed  your  prophets, 
Moses  and  Aaron,  when  they  fled  to  the 
tabernacle,  and  ye  were  always  murmur- 
ing against  God  and  his  prophets. 

15  And  arising  from  his  judgment- 
seat,  he  would  have  gone  out ;  but  the 
Jews  all  cried  out.  We  acknowledge  Cae- 
sar to  be  king,  and  not  Jesus. 

16  Whereas  this  person,  as  soon  as 
he  was  born,  the  wise  men  came  and 
offered  gifts  unto  him ;  which  when  He- 
rod heard,  he  was  exceedingly  troubled, 
and  would  have  killed  him. 

17  When  his  father  knew  this,  he 
fled  with  him  and  his  mother  Mary  into 
Egypt.  Herod,  when  he  heard  he  was 
born,  would  have  killed  him ;  and  ac- 
cordingly sent  and  slew  all  the  children 
which  were  in  Bethlehem,  and  in  all  the 
coasts  thereof,  from  two  years  old  and 
under."" 

18  When  Pilate  heard  this  account, 
he  vras  afraid  ;  and  commanding  silence 
among  the  people,  who  made  a  noise,  he 
.said  to  Jesus,  Art  thou  therefore  a  king .' 

19  All  the  Jews  replied  to  Pilate,  He 
IS  the  very  person  whom  Herod  sought 
to  have  slain. 

20  Then  Pilate  taking  water,  washed 
his  hands  before  the  people,  and  said,  I 
am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just 
person  ;  look  ye  to  it." 

21  The  Jews  answered  and  said.  His 
blood  be  upon  us  and  our  children. 

22  Then  Pilate  commanded  Jesus  to 
be  brought  before  him,  and  .spake  to  him 
in  the  following  words : 

23  Thy  own  nation  hath  charged  thee 
as  making  thyself  a  king ;  wherefore  I, 


l»  John,  xi.  1,  &c.      i  Matt,  xxvii.  24.      k  Matt, 
xxvii.  31,  fee.      1  John.  xix.  12. 


>»  Matt.  ii. 


B  Matt,  xxvii.  24,  &c. 

39 


Christ  crucified. 


NICODEMUS 


Signs  and  wonders. 


Herod,  sentence  thee  to  be  whipped  ac- 
cording to  the  laws  of  former  governors ; 
and  that  thou  be  lirst  bound,  then  hanged 
upon  a  cross  in  that  place  where  thou 
art  now  a  prisoner ;  and  also  two  crimi- 
nals Avith  thee,  whose  names  are  Dimas 
and  Gestas. 

CHAP.  vn. 

Manner  of  Christ's  crucifixion  witli  the  two  thieves. 

THEN  Jesus  went  out  of  the  hall, 
and  the  two  thieves  with  him ; 

2  And  when  they  came  to  the  place 
called  Golgotha,"  they  stript  him  of  his 
raiment,  and  girt  him  about  with  a  linen 
cloth,  and  put  a  crown  of  thorns  upon 
his  head,  and  put  a  reed  in  his  hand. 

3  And  in  like  manner  did  they  to  the 
two  thieves  who  were  crucified  with 
him,  Dimas  on  his  right  hand,  and  Ges- 
tas on  his  left. 

4  But  Jesus  said.  My  Father,  forgive 
them ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do. 

5  And  they  divided  his  garments,  and 
upon  his  vesture  they  cast  lots. 

6  The  people  in  the  mean  time  stood 
by,  and  the  chief  priests  and  elders  of 
the  Jews  mocked  him,  saying,  He  saved 
others,  let  him  now  save  himself  if  he 
can ;  if  he  be  the  Son  of  God,  let  him 
now  come  do>vn  from  the  cross. 

7  The  soldiers  also  mocked  him,  and 
taking  vinegar  and  gall,  offered  it  to  him 
to  drink,  and  said  to  him.  If  thou  art 
king  of  the  Jews,  deliver  thyself. 

8  Then  Longinus,  a  certain  soldier, 
taking  a  spear,?  pierced  his  side,  and 
presently  there  came  forth  blood  and 
water. 

9  And  Pilate  wrote  the  title  upon  the 
cross  in  Hebrew,  Latin,  and  Greek  let- 
ters, viz.,  This  is  the  king  of  the  Jews.'i 

10  But  one  of  the  two  thieves  who 
were  crucified  with  Jesus,  whose  name 
was  Gestas,  said  to  Jesus,  If  thou  art  the 
Christ,  deliver  thyself  and  us. 

1 1  But  the  thief  who  was  crucified  on 
his  right  hand  whose  name  was  Dimas, 
answering,  rebuked  him,  and  said.  Dost 
not  thou  fear  God,  who  art  condemned 
to  this  punishment .'  We  indeed  receive 
rightly  and  justly  the  demerit  of  our  ac- 
tions ;  but  this  Jesus,  what  evil  hath  he 
done .' 

12  After  this,  groaning,  he  said  to 
Jesus,  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou 
comest  into  thy  kingdom. 

o  Matt,  xxvii.  33.    P  John,  xix.  34.    q  John,  xix.  19. 

40 


13  Jesus  answering,  said  to  him,  Ve- 
rily I  say  unto  thee,  that  this  day  thou 
shah  be  witli  me  in  Paradise. 

CHAP.  VIII. 

1  Miraculous  appearances  at  liis  death.  10  The 
Jews  say  the  eclipse  was  natural.  12  Joseph  of 
Arimatha>a  embalms  Christ's  body  and  buries  it. 

AND  it  was  about  the  sixth  hour,"^  and 
darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the 
whole  earth  until  the  ninth  hour. 

2  And  while  the  sun  was  eclipsed, 
behold  the  vail  of  the  temple  was  rent 
from  the  top  to  the  bottom ;  and  the  rocks 
also  were 'rent,  and  the  graves  opened, 
and  many  bodies  of  saints,  which  slept, 
arose. 

3  And  al)out  the  ninth  hour  Jesus 
cried  out  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  He- 
ly,  Hely,  lama  zabathani .'  which,  being 
interpreted,  is.  My  God,  my  God,  why 
hast  thou  forsaken  me  ? 

4  And  after  these  things,  Jesus  said, 
Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my 
spirit ;  and  having  said  this,  he  gave  up 
the  ghost. 

5  But  when  the  centurion  saw  that 
Jesus  thus  crying  out  gave  up  the  ghost, 
he  glorified  God,  and  said,  Of  a  truth  this 
was  a  just  man. 

6  And  all  the  people  who  stood  by 
were  exceedingly  troubled  at  the  sight ; 
and,  reflecting  upon  what  had  passed, 
smote  upon  their  breasts,  and  then  re- 
turned to  the  city  of  Jerusalem. 

7  The  centurion  went  to  the  governor, 
and  related  to  him  all  that  had  passed. 

8  And  when  he  had  heard  all  these 
things,  he  was  exceeding  sorrowful ; 

9  And  calling  the  Jews  together,  said 
to  them,  Have  ye  seen  the  miracle  of  the 
sun's  eclipse,  and  the  other  things  which 
came  to  pass,  while  Jesus  was  dying  ? 

1 0  Which  when  the  Jews  heard,  they 
answered  to  the  governor.  The  eclipse 
of  the  sun  happened  according  to  its 
usual  custom. 

1 1  But  all  those  who  were  the  ac- 
quaintance of  Christ,  stood  at  a  distance, 
as  did  the  women  who  had  followed  Je- 
sus from  Galilee,  observing  all  these 
things. 

12  And  *  behold  a  certain  man  of  Ari- 
mathsea,  named  Joseph,  who  al.so  was  a 
disciple  of  Je.sus,  but  not  openly  so,  for 
fear  of  the  Jews,  came  to  the  governor, 
and  entreated  the  governor  that  he  would 


r  Matt,  xxvii.  45,  &c. 


!  John,  xix.  38. 


The  Jews  imprison 


NICODEMUS. 


Joseph  of  Arim'aihcea. 


five  him  leave  to  take  away  the  body  of 
esus  from  the  cross. 

1 3  And  the  governor  gave  him  leave. 

14  And  Nicodemus  came,  bringing 
with  him  a  mixture  of  myrrh  and  aloes, 
about  a  hundred  pounds  weight;. and 
they  took  down  Jesus  from  the  cross  with 
tears,  and  bound  him  in  linen  clothes 
with  spices,  according  to  the  custom  of 
burying  among  the  Jews, 

15  And  placed  him  in  a  new  tomb, 
which  Joseph  had  built,  and  caused  to 
be  cut  out  of  a  rock,  in  which  never  any 
man  had  been  put ;  and  they  rolled  a 
great  stone  to  the  door  of  the  sepulchre. 

•CHAP.  IX.       . 

1  The  Jews  angry  with  Nicodemus,  5  and  wilh  Jo- 
seph of  Arinialha'a,  7  whom  they  imprison. 

WHEN  the  unjust  Jews  heard  that 
Joseph  had  begged  and  buried  the 
body  of  Jesus,  they  sought  after  Nicode- 
mus, and  those  fifteen  men  who  had  tes- 
tified before  the  governor  that  Jesus  was 
not  born  through  fornication,  and  other 
good  persons,  Avho  had  shewn  any  good 
actions  towards  him. 

.2  But  when  they  all  concealed  them- 
selves through  fear  of  the  Jews,  Nico- 
demus alone  shewed  himself  to  them, 
and  said,  How  can  such  persons  as  these 
enter  into  the  synagogue  .' 

3  The  Jews  answered  him.  But  how 
durst  thou  enter  into  the  synagogue,  who 
wast  a  confederate  with  Christ .'  Let  thy 
lot  be  along  with  him  in  the  other  world. 

4  Nicodemus  answered.  Amen;  so 
may  it  be,  that  I  may  have  my  lot  with 
him  in  his  kingdom. 

5  In  like  manner  Joseph,  when  he 
came  to  the  Jews,  said  to  them.  Why 
are  ye  angry  with  me  for  desiring  the 
bod}^  of  Jesus  of  Pilate  .'  Behold,  I  have 
put  him  in  my  tomb,  and  wrapped  him 
up  in  clean  linen,  and  put  a  stone  at  the 
door  of  the  sepulchre. 

6  I  have  acted  rightly  towards  him ; 
but  ye  have  acted  unjustly  against  that 
just  person,  in  crucifying  him,  giving 
him  vinegar  and  water  to  drink,  crown- 
ing him  with  thorns,  tearing  his  body 
with  whips,  and  prayed  down  the  guilt 
of  his  blood  upon  you. 

7  The  Jews  at  the  hearing  of  this 
were  disquieted  and  troubled ;  and  they 
seized  Joseph,  and  commanded  him  to 
be  put  in  custody  before  the  sabbath,  and 
kept  there  till  the  sabbath  was  over. 

8  And  they  said  to  him,  Make  con- 


fession ;  for  at  this  time  it  is  not  lawful 
to  do  thee  any  harm,  till  the  first  day  of 
the  week  come.  But  we  know  that  thou 
wilt  not  be  thought  worthy  of  a  burial ; 
but  we  will  give  thy  flesh  to  the  birds 
of  the  air,  and  the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

9  Joseph  answered.  That  speech  is 
like  the  speech  of  proud  Goliath,  who 
reproached  the  living  God  in  speaking 
against  David.  But  ye  scribes  and  doc- 
tors know,  that  God  saith  by  the  prophet. 
Vengeance  is  mine,  and  I  will  repay  to 
you  ■■  evil  equal  to  that  which  ye  have 
threatened  to  me. 

10  The  God  whom  you  have  hanged 
upon  the  cross,  is  able  to  dehver  me  out 
of  your  hands.  Alhj'our  wickedness 
will  return  upon  you. 

1 1  For  the  governor,  when  he  washed 
his  hands,  said,  I  am  clear  of  the  blood 
of  this  just  person.  But  ye  answered 
and  cried  out.  His  blood  be  upon  us  and 
our  children.  According  as  ye  have  said, 
may  ye  perish  for  ever. 

12  The  elders  of  the  Jews,  hearing 
these  words,  were  exceedingly  enraged  ; 
and  seizing  Joseph,  they  put  him  into  a 
chamber  where  there  M'as  no  window ; 
they  fastened  the  door,  and  put  a  seal 
upon  the  lock ; 

13  And  Annas  and  Caiaphas  placed 
a  guard  about  it,  and  took  counsel  with 
the  priests  and  Levites,  that  they  should 
all  meet  after  the  sabbath,  and  contrived 
to  what  death  they  should  put  Joseph. 

14  When  they  had  done  this,  the  ru- 
lers, Annas  and  Caiaphas,  order  Joseph 
to  be  brought  forth. 

IT  In  (his  place  there  is  a  portion  of  the 
Gospel  lost  or  omitted,  ivhich  cannot  be 
supplied. 

CHAP.  X. 

1  Joseph's  escape.  2  The  soldiers  relate  Christ's 
resurrection.  18  Christ  is  seen  preaching  in  Gali- 
lee.    21  The  Jews  repent  of  their  cruelty  to  him. 

WHEN  all  the  assembly  heard  this, 
they  admired  and  were  astonished, 
because  they  found  the  same  seal  upon 
the  lock  of  the  chamber,  and  could  not 
find  Joseph. 

2  Then  Annas  and  Caiaphas  went 
forth,  and  while  they  were  all  admiring 
at  Joseph's  being  gone,  behold  one  of  the 
soldiers  who  kept  the  sepulchre  of  Jesus, 
spake  in  the  assembly, 

3  "That  while  they  were  guarding 


t  Dent,  xxxii.  35    Heb.  x.  30.      «  Matt,  xxviii.  11, 
12,  &c. 

41 


Christ's  resurrection 


NICODEMUS 


ayid  appearance  i?j  Galilee. 


the  sepulchre  of  Jesus,  tlierc  was  an 
earthquake;  and  we  saw  an  angel  of 
God  roll  away  the  stone  of  the  sepulchre 
and  "  sit  upon  it ; 

4  And  his  countenance  was  like  light- 
ning, and  his  garment  like  snow;  and 
we  became  through  fear  like  persons 
dead. 

5  And  we  heard  an  angel  saying  to 
the  women  at  the  sepulchre,  Do  not  fear; 
I  know  that  ye  seek  Jesus  who  was  cru- 
cified ;  he  is  risen  as  he  foretold. 

6  Come  and  see  the  place  where  he 
was  laid  ;  and  go  presently,  and  tell  his 
disciples  that  he  is  risen,  and  he  will  go 
before  you  into  Galilee ;  there  ye  shall 
see  him,  as  he  told  you. 

7  Then  the  Jews  called  together  all 
the  soldiers  who  kept  the  sepulchre  of 
Jesus,  and  said  to  them,  Who  are  those 
women  to  whom  the  angel  spake .'  Why 
did  ye  not  seize  them  .' 

S  The  soldiers  answered  and  said.  We 
know  not  who  the  women  were;  besides, 
we  became  as  dead  persons  through  fear, 
and  how  could  we  seize  those  women  .' 

9  The  Jews  said  to  them.  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  we  do  not  believe  you. 

10  The  soldiers  answering,  said  to  the 
Jews,  When  ye  saw  and  heard  Jesus 
working  so  many  miracles,  and  did  not 
believe  nim,  how  should  ye  believe  us? 
Ye  well  said.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  for  the 
Lord  truly  does  live. 

1 1  We  have  heard  that  ye  shut  up 
Joseph,  who  buried  the  body  of  Jesus, 
in  a  chamber,  under  a  lock  which  was 
sealed;  and  when  ye  opened  it,  found 
him  not  there. 

12  Do  ye  then  produce  Joseph  whom 
ye  put  under  guard  in  the  chamber,  and 
we  will  produce  Jesus  whom  we  guarded 
in  the  sepulchre. 

13  The  Jews  answered  and  said.  We 
will  produce  Josejjh,  do  ye  produce  Je- 
sus. But  Joseph  is  in  his  own  city  of 
Arimathaea. 

14  The  soldiers  replied,  If  Joseph  is 
in  Arimathffia,  and  Jesus  in  Galilee,  we 
heard  the  angel  inform  the  women. 

15  The  Jews  hearing  this,  were  afraid, 
and  said  among  themselves,  If  by  any 
means  these  things  should  become  pub- 
lic, then  everybody  will  believe  in  Jesus. 

16  Then  they  gathered  a  large  sum  of 
money,  and  gave  it  to  the  soldiers,  say- 
ing, t)o  ye  tell  the  people  that  the  disci- 


42 


V  Matt,  xxviil.  1, 2,  &c. 


pies  of  Jesus  came  in  the  night  when  ye 
were  asleep,  and  stole  away  the  body  of 
Jesus ;  and  if  Pilate  the  governor  should 
hear  of  this,  we  will  satisfy  him  and  se- 
cure you. 

1 7  The  soldiers  accordingly  took  the 
money,  and  said  as  they  were  instructed 
by  the  Jews ;  and  their  report  was  spread 
abroad  among  all  the  people. 

1 8  If  But  a  certain  priest,  Phinees,  Ada, 
a  schoolmaster,  and  a  Levite,  named 
Ageus,  they  three  came  from  Galilee  to 
Jerusalem,  and  told  the  chief  priests  and 
all  who  were  in  the  synagogues,  saying, 

19  We  have  seen  Jesus,  whom  ye 
crucified,  talking  with  his  eleven  disci- 
ples, and  sitting  in  the  midst  of  them,  in 
Mount  Olivet,  and  saying  to  them," 

20  Go  forth  into  the  whole  world, 
preach  the  Gospel  to  all  nations,  baptiz- 
ing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  who- 
soever shall  believe  and  be  baptized, 
shall  be  saved. 

21  And  when  he  had  said  these  things 
to  his  disciples,  we  saw  him  ascending 
up  to  heaven. 

22  When  the  chief  priests,  and  elders, 
and  Levites  heard  these  things,  they  said 
to  these  three  men.  Give  glory  to  the 
God  of  Israel,  and  make  confession  to 
him,  whether  these  things  be  true,  which 
ye  say  ye  have  seen  and  heard. 

23  They  answering,  said,  As  the  Lord 
of  our  fathers  liveth,  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God 
of  Jacob,  according  as  we  heard  Jesus 
talking  with  his  disciples,  and  according 
as  we  saw  him  ascending  up  to  heaven, 
so  we  have  related  the  truth  to  you. 

24  And  the  three  men  farther  answer- 
ed and  said,  adding  these  words.  If  we 
should  not  own  the  words  which  we 
heard  Jesus  speak,  and  that  we  saw  him 
ascending  into  heaven,  we  should  be 
guilty  of  sin. 

25  Then  the  chief  priests  immediately 
rose  up,  and  holding  the  book  of  the  law 
in  their  hands,  conjured  those  men,  say- 
ing. Ye  shall  no  more  hereafter  ever  de- 
clare those  things  which  ye  have  spoke 
concerning  Jesus. 

26  And  they  gave  them  a  large  sum 
of  money,  and  sent  other  persons  along 
with  them,  who  should  conduct  them  to 
their  own  country,  that  they  might  not 
make  any  stay  at  Jerusalem. 


"  Matt,  xxviii.  16,  and  Mark,  xvl  It, 


Joseph  relates 


NlCODEMUS. 


his  escape. 


27  Then  the  Jews  did  assemble  all 
together,  and  having  expressed  the  most 
lamentable  concern,  said.  What  is  this 
extraordinary  thing  which  is  come  to 
pass  in  Jerusalem  ? 

28  But  Annas  and  Caiaphas  comforted 
them,  saying.  Why  should  we  believe 
the  soldiers  who  guarded  the  sepulchre 
of  Jesus,  in  telling  us  that  an  angel  rolled 
away  the  stone  from  the  door  of  the  se- 
pulchre ? 

29  Perhaps  his  own  disciples  told 
them  this,  and  gave  them  money  that 
they  should  say  so,  and  they  themselves 
took  away  the  body  of  Jesus. 

30  Besides,  consider  this,  that  there  is 
no  credit  to  be  given  to  foreigners,"  be- 
cause they  also  took  a  large  sum  of  us, 
and  they  have  declared  to  us  according 
to  the  instructions  which  we  gave  them. 
They  must  either  be  faithful  to  us,  or  to 
the  disciples  of  Jesus. 

CHAP.  Xf. 

1  Nicoitemiis  counsels  the  Jews.  G  Joseph  found. 
11  Invited  by  the  Jews  to  return.  19  Relates  the 
manner  of  his  miraculous  escape. 

THEN  Nicodemus  arose,  and  said. 
Ye  say  right,  0  sons  of  Israel,  ye 
have  heard  what  those  three  men  have 
swore  by  the  Law  of  God,  who  said,  We 
have  seen  Jesus  speaking  with  his  disci- 
ples upon  mount  Olivet,  and  we  saw  him 
ascending  up  to  heaven. 

2  And  the  Scrijitme  teacheth  us  that 
the  blessed  prophet  Elijah  was  taken  up 
to  heaven  ;  and  Elisha  being  asked  by  the 
sons  of  the  prophets.  Where  is  our  father 
Elijah?  he  said  to  them,  that  he  is  taken 
up  to  heaven. 

3  And  the  sons  of  the  prophets  said  to 
him,  Perhaps  the  spirit  hath  carried  him  \ 
into  one  of  the  mountains  of  Israel,  there  | 
perhaps  we  shall  find  him.  And  they 
besought  Eh'sha,  and  he  vvalked  about 
with  them  three  days,  and  they  could  not 
find  him. 

4  And  now  hear  me,  0  sons  of  Israel, 
and  let  us  send  men  into  the  mountains  of 
Israel,  lest  perhaps  the  spirit  hath  carried 
away  Jesus,  and  there  perhaps  we  shall 
find  him,  and  be  satisfied. 

5  And  the  counsel  of  Nicodemus  pleas- 
ed all  the  people ;  and  they  sent  forth  men 
who  sought  for  Jesus,  but  could  not  find 
him ;  and  they  returning,  said.  We  went 
tdl  about,  but  could  not  find  Jesus,  but 

>Heath«i)(. 


we  have  found  Joseph  in  his  city  of  Ari- 
mathffia. 

6  The  rulers  hearing  this,  and  all  the 
people,  were  glad,  and  praised  the  God  of 
Israel,  because  Joseph  was  found  whom 
they  had  shut  up  in  a  chamber,  and  could 
not  find. 

7  And  when  they  had  formed  a  large 
assembly,  the  chief  priests  said,  By  what 
means  shall  we  bring  Joseph  to  us  to 
speak  with  him  .' 

8  And  taking  a  piece  of  paper,  they 
wrote  to  him,  and  said.  Peace  be  with 
thee,  and  all  thy  family.  We  know  that 
we  have  offended  against  God  and  thee. 
Be  pleased  to  give  a  visit  to  us  your  fa- 
thers, for  we  were  perfectly  surprised  at 
your  escape  from  prison. 

9  We  know  that  it  was  malicious  coun- 
sel which  we  took  against  thee,  and  that 
the  Lord  took  care  of  thee,  and  the  Lord 
himself  delivered  thee  from  our  designs. 
Peace  be  unto  thee,  Joseph,  who  art  hon- 
ourable among  all  the  people. 

10  And  they  chose  seven  of  Joseph's 
friends,  and  said  to  them,  When  ye  coma 
to  Joseph,  salute  him  in  peace,  and  give 
him  this  letter. 

1 1  Accordingly,  when  the  men  came 
to  Joseph,  they  did  salute  him  in  peace, 
and  gave  him  the  letter. 

12  And  when  Jose})h  had  read  it,  he 
said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  who  didst 
deliver  me  from  the  Israelites,  that  they 
could  not  shed  my  blood.  Blessed  be 
God,  who  hast  protected  me  under  thy 
wings. 

13  And  Joseph  kissed  them,  and  took 
them  into  his  house.  And  on  the  mor- 
row, Joseph  mounted  his  ass,  and  went 
along  with  them  to  Jerusalem. 

14  And  when  all  the  Jews  heard  these 
things,  they  went  out  to  meet  him,  and 
cried  out,  saying,  Peace  attend  thy  com- 
ing hither,  father  Joseph. 

15  To  which  he  answered,  Prosperity 
from  the  Lord  attend  all  the  people. 

16  And  they  all  kissed  him  ;  and  Nico- 
demus took  him  to  his  house,  having  pro- 
vided a  large  entertainment. 

17  But  on  the  morrow,  beins  a  pre- 
paration-day, Annas  and  Caiapnas,  and 
Nicodemus,  said  to  Joseph,  Make  confes- 
sion to  the  God  of  Israel,  and  answer  to 
us  all  those  questions  which  we  shall  ask 
thee; 

18  For  we  have  been  very  much  trou- 
bled that  thou  didst  bury  the  body  of  Je- 
sus ;  and  that  when  we  had  locked  the« 

43 


Testimony  of 


NICODEMUS. 


Charmus  and  Leii/hius 


in  a  chamber,  we  could  not  find  thee ; 
and  we  have  been  afraid  ever  since,  till 
this  time  of  thy  appearing  among  us. 
Tell  us  therefore  before  God,  all  that  came 
to  pass. 

19  Then  .Joseph  answering,  said,  Ye 
did  indeed  put  me  under  confinement  on 
the  day  of  preparation,  till  the  morning. 

20  But  while  1  was  .standing  at  prayer 
in  the  middle  of  the  night,  the  house  was 
surrounded  with  four  angels;  and  I  saw 
Jesus  as  the  brightnesss  of  the  sun,  and 
fell  down  upon  the  earth  for  fear. 

21  But  Jesus  laying  hold  on  my  hand, 
lifted  me  up  from  the  ground,  and  the 
dew  was  then  sprinkled  upon  me  ;  but 
he,  wiping  my  face,  kissed  me,  and  said 
unto  me.  Fear  not,  Joseph ;  look  upon 
me,  for  it  is  I. 

22  Then  I  looked  upon  him,  and  said, 
Rabboni  Elias  !  He  answeied  me,  I  am 
not  Elias,  but  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whose 
body  thou  didst  bury. 

23  I  said  to  him,  Shew  me  the  tomb 
in  which  I  laid  thee. 

24  Then  Jesus,  taking  me  by  the  hand, 
led  me  unto  the  place  where  I  laid  him, 
and  shewed  me  the  linen  clothes  and  nap- 
kin which  I  put  round  his  head.  Then 
1  knew  that  it  was  Jesus,  and  worshipped 
him,  and  said.  Blessed  be  he  who  cometh 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

25  Jesus  again  taking  me  by  the  hand, 
led  me  to  Arimathaea,  to  my  own  house, 
and  .said  to  me,  Peace  be  to  thee ;  but  go 
not  out  of  thy  house  till  the  fortieth  day ; 
but  I  must  go  to  my  disciples. 

CHAP.  xn. 

1.  The  .lews  astonished  and  confounded.  14  Si- 
meon's two  sons,  Charinus  and  Lenthius,  rise  from 
the  dead  at  Christ's  crucifixion.  19  Joseph  proposeB 
to  get  them  to  relate  the  mysteries  of  their  resur- 
rection. ^1  Tliey  are  souglit  and  found,  2-2  brought 
to  the  synagogue,  23  privately  sworn  to  secrecy, 
25  and  undertake  to  write  what  they  had  seen. 

WHEN  the  chief  priests  and  Levites 
heard  all  these  things,  they  were 
astonished,  and  fell  down  with  their  faces 
on  the  giound,  as  dead  men,  and  crying 
out  to  one  another,  said.  What  is  this  ex- 
traordinary sign  which  is  come  to  pass  in 
Jerusalem  .'  We  know  the  father  and 
mother  of  Jesus. 

2  And  a  certain  Levite  said,  I  know 
many  of  his  relations,  religious  persons, 
who  are  wont  to  ofTer  sacrifices  and  burnt 
ofTerings  to  the  God  of  Israel,  in  the  tem- 
ple, with  prayers. 

3  And  when  the  high  priest  Simeon 

44 


took  him  up  in  his  arms,  he  said  to  him, 
yLord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  de- 
part in  peace,  according  to  thy  word  ;  for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation,  which 
thou  hast  prepared  before  the  face  of  all 
people :  a  light  to  enlighten  the  Gentiles, 
and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 

4  Simeon  in  like  manner  blessed  Mary 
the  mother  of  Jesus,  and  said  to  her,  1  de- 
clare to  thee  concerning  that  child  ;  He  is 
appointed  for  the  fall  and  rising  again  of 
many,  and  for  a  sign  which  shall  be 
spoken  against. 

5  Yea,  a  sword  shall  pierce  through 
thine  own  soul  also,  and  the  thoughts  of 
many  hearts  shall  be  revealed. 

6  Then  said  all  the  Jews,  Eet  us  send 
to  those  three  men,  who  .said  they  .saw 
him  talking  with  his  disciples  in  mount 
Olivet. 

7  After  this,  they  asked  them  what 
they  had  seen  ;  who  answered  with  one 
accord,  In  the  presence  of  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, we  affirm,  that  we  plainly  saw  Jesus 
talking  with  his  disciples  in  mount  Olivet, 
and  ascending  up  to  heaven. 

8  Then  Annas  and  Caiaphas  took  them 
into  separate  places,  and  examined  them 
separately  ;  who  unanimously  confessed 
the  truth,  and  said,  they  had  seen  Jesus. 

9  Then  Annas  and  Caiaphas  .said.  Our 
law  saith.  By  the  mouth  of  two  or  three 
witnesses  every  word  shall  be  establish- 
ed.- 

1 0  But  what  have  we  said  .'  The  bless- 
ed Enoch  pleased  God,  and  was  translated 
by  the  word  of  God ;  and  the  burying- 
place  of  the  blessed  INIoses  is  not  known. 

11  But  Jesus  was  delivered  to  Pilate, 
whipped,  crowned  with  thorns,  spit  upon, 
pierced  with  a  spear,  crucified,  died  upon 
the  cross,  and  was  buried,  and  his  body 
the  honourable  Jo.seph  buried  in  a  new  se- 
pulchre, and  he  testifies  that  he  saw  him 
alive ; 

12  And  besides,  these  men  have  de- 
clared, that  they  saw  him  talking  with  his 
disciples  in  mount  Olivet,  and  ascending 
up  to  heaven. 

13  H  Then  Joseph,  rising  up,  said  to 
Annas  and  Caiaphas,  Ye  may  be  justly 
under  a  great  surprise,  that  you  have  been 
told,  that  Jesus  is  alive,  and  gone  up  to 
heaven. 

14  It  is  indeed  a  thing  really  surpris- 
ing, that  he  should  not  only  himself  arise 
from  the  dead,  but  also  raise  others  from 

y  Luke,  ii.  29.    i^  Deut.  xvii.  6. 


Narrative  of 


NICODEMUS.  Charinus  and  Lenthtus 


their  graves,  who  have  been  seen  by  many 
in  Jerusalem.* 

15  And  now  hear  me  a  little  :  We  all 
knew  the  blessed  Simeon  the  high  priest, 
who  took  Jesus,  when  an  infant,  in  his 
arms  in  the  temple. 

16  This  same  Simeon  had  two  sons  of 
his  own,  and  we  were  all  present  at  their 
death  and  funeral. 

17  Go,  therefore,  and  see  their  tombs, 
for  these  are  open,  and  they  are  risen ;  and 
behold,  they  are  in  the  city  of  Arimathaea, 
spending  their  time  together  in  offices  of 
devotion. 

1 8  Some,  indeed,  have  heard  the  sound 
of  their  voices  in  prayer;  but  they  will 
not  discourse  with  any  one,  but  they  con- 
tinue as  mute  as  dead  men. 

19  But  come,  let  us  go  to  them,  and  be- 
have ourselves  towards  them  with  all  due 
re.spect  and  caution.  And  if  we  can  bring 
them  to  swear,  perhaps  they  will  tell  us 
some  of  the  mysteries  of  their  resurrec- 
tion. 

20  When  the  Jews  heard  this,  they 
were  exceedingly  rejoiced. 

21  Then  Annas  and  Caiaphas,  Nico- 
demus,  Joseph,  and  Gamaliel,  went  to 
Arimathaea,  but  did  not  hnd  them  in  their 
graves  ;  but  walking  about  the  city,  they 
found  them  on  their  bended  knees  at  their 
devotions. 

22  Then  saluting  them  with  all  respect 
and  deference  to  God,  they  brought  them 
to  the  synagogue  at  Jerusalem  ;  and  hav- 
ing shut  the  gates,  they  took  the  book  of 
the  Law  of  the  Lord, 

23  And  putting  it  in  their  hands,  swore 
them  by  God  Adonai,  and  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, who  spake  to  our  fathers  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets,  saying,  If  ye  believe 
him  who  raised  you  from  the  dead,  to  be 
Jesus,  tell  us  what  ye  have  .seen,  and  how 
ye  were  raised  from  the  dead. 

24  Charinus  and  Lenthius,  the  two 
sons  of  Simeon,  trembled  when  they  heard 
these  things,  and  were  disturbed,  and 
groaned  ;  and  at  the  same  time  looking  up 
to  heaven,  they  made  the  sign  of  the  cross 
with  their  fingers  on  their  tongues. 

25  And  immediately  they  spake,  and 
said,  Give  each  of  us  some  paper,  and  we 
will  write  down  for  j'ou  all  those  things 
which  we  have  seen.  And  they  each  sat 
down  and  wrote,  saying, 

»  Matt,  xxvii,  53, 


CHAP.  XIII. 

1  The  narrative  of  Charinus  and  Lenthius  com- 
mences. 2  A  great  light  in  hell.  7  Simeon  ar- 
rives, and  announces  the  coming  of  Christ. 

LORD  Jesus  and  Father,  who  art 
God,  also  the  resurrection  and  life 
of  the  dead,  give  us  leave  to  declare  thy 
mysteries,  which  we  saw  after  death  be- 
longing to  thy  cross;  for  we  are  sworn  by 
thy  name. 

2  For  thou  hast  forbid  thy  servants  to 
declare  the  secret  things,  which  were 
wrought  by  thy  divine  power  in  hell. 

3  H  ^Vhen  we  were  placed  with  our  fa- 
thers in  the  depth  of  hell,  in  the  blackness 
of  darkness,  on  a  sudden  there  appeared 
the  color  of  the  sun  like  gold,  and  a  sub- 
stantial purple-colored  light  enlightening 
the  place. 

4  Presently  upon  this,  Adam,  the  fa- 
ther of  all  mankind,  with  all  the  patri- 
archs and  prophets,  rejoiced  and  .said. 
That  light  is  the  author  of  everlasting 
light,  who  hath  promised  to  translate  us 
to  everlasting  light. 

5  Then  Isaiah  the  prophet  cried  oaf, 
and  .said.i-  This  is  the  light  of  the  Father, 
and  the  Son  of  God,  according  to  my  pro- 
phecy when  I  was  alive  upon  earth. 

6  The  land  of  Zabulon,  and  the  land 
of  Nephthalim  beyond  Jordan,  a  people 
who  walked  in  darkness,  saw  a  great 
light ;  and  to  them  who  dwelled  in  the  re- 
gion of  the  shadow  of  death,  light  is  aris- 
en. And  now  he  is  come,  and  hath  en- 
lightened us  who  .sat  in  death. 

7  And  while  we  are  all  rejoicing  in  the 
light  which  .shone  upon  us,  our  father  Si- 
meon came  among  us,  and  congratulating 
all  the  company,  said.  Glorify  the  Lord 
Jesus  ChiLst  the  Son  of  God. 

S  Whom  I  took  up  in  my  arms  when 
an  infant  in  the  temple,  and  being  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  said  to  him,  and  ac- 
knowledged,'' That  now  mine  eyes  have 
seen  thy  salvation,  which  thou  hast  pre- 
pared before  the  face  of  all  people;  alight 
to  enlighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of 
thy  people  Israel. 

9  All  the  saints  who  were  in  the  depth 
of  hell,  hearing  this,  rejoiced  the  more. 

10  Afterwards  there  came  forth  one 
like  a  little  hermit,  and  was  asked  by  every 
one.  Who  art  thou  ? 

1 1  To  which  he  replied,  I  am  the  voice 
of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness,  John  the 
Baptist,  and  the  prophet  of  the  Most  High, 

b  Isai.  ix.  1,    Matt.  iv.  16.    c  Luke,  ii.  39 

45 


Debates  in  hell 


NICODEMUS. 


concerning  Christ. 


who  went  before  his  coming  to  prepare 
his  way,  to  give  the  knowledge  of  salva- 
tion to  his  people  for  the  forgiveness  of 
sins. 

12  And  I,  John,  when  I  saw  Jesus 
coming  to  me,  being  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost^  I  said,  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God, 
behold  him  who  takes  away  the  sins  of 
the  world. 

13  And  I  baptized  him  in  the  river  Jor- 
dan, and  f?av^  the  Holy  Ghost  descending 
upon  him  in  the  form  of  a  dove,  and  heard 
a  voice  from  heaven,  .saying,  This  is  my 
beloved  son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

14  And  now  while  I  was  going  before 
him,  1  came  down  hither  to  acquaint  you, 
that  the  Son  of  God  will  next  visit  us,  and 
as  the  day-spring  from  on  high  will  come 
to  us,  who  are  in  darkness  and  the  shadow 
of  death. 

CHAP.  XIV. 

Adnm  causes  Seth  to  relate  what  he  heard  from  Mi- 
chael tha  urchan£;el,  when  he  sent  him  to  Paradise 
to  entreat  God  to  anoint  his  head  in  his  sickness. 

BUT  when  the  first  man  our  father 
Adam  heard  these  things,  that  Jesus 
v\-as  baptized  in  Jordan,''  he  called  out  to 
his  son  Seth,  and  said. 

2  Declare  to  your  sons,  the  patriarchs 
and  prophets,  all  those  things  which  thou 
didst  hear  from  Michael  the  archangel, 
when  1  sent  thee  to  the  gates  of  Paradise, 
to  entreat  God  that  he  would  anoint  my 
head  when  I  was  sick. 

3  Then  Seth,  coming  near  to  the  patri- 
archs and  prophets,  said,  I  Seth,  when  I 
was  praying  to  God  at  the  gates  of  Para- 
dise, beheld  the  angel  of  the  Lord,  Mi- 
chael, appear  unto  me,  saying,  I  am  sent 
unto  thee  from  the  Lord  ;  I  am  appointed 
to  preside  over  human  bodies. 

4  I  tell  ihee,  Seth,  do  not  pray  to  God 
in  tears,  and  entreat  him  for  the  oil  of  the 
tree  of  mercy,  wherewith  to  anoint  thy 
father  Adam  for  his  head-ache  ; 

5  Because  thou  canst  not  by  any  means 
obtain  it,  till  the  last  day  and  times,  name- 
ly, till  five  thousand  five  hundred  years  be 
passed. 

6  Then  will  Christ,  the  most  merciful 
Son  of  God,  come  on  earth,  to  raise  again 
the  human  body  of  Adam,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  raise  the  bodies  of  the  dead,  and 
when  he  cometh  he  will  be  baptized  in 
Jordan  ; 

7  Then  with  the  oil  of  his  mercy  he 


will  anoint  all  those  who  believe  on  him ; 
and  the  oil  of  his  mercy  will  continue  to 
future  generations,  for  those  who  shall  be 
born  of  the  water  and  the  Holy  Ghost  un- 
to eternal  life. 

8  And  when  at  that  time  the  most  mer- 
ciful Son  of  God,  Christ  Jesus,  shall  come 
down  on  earth,  he  will  introduce  our  fa- 
ther Adam  into  Paradise,  to  the  tree  of 
mercy. 

9  When  all  the  patriarchs  and  prophets 
heard  all  these  things  from  Seth,  they  re- 
joiced more. 

CHAP.  XV. 

Quarrel  between  Satan  and  the  prince  of  hell,  con- 
cerning the  e.xpected  arrival  of  Christ  in  hell.* 

WHH^E  all  the  saints  were  rejoicing, 
behold  Satan,  the  prince  and  cap- 
tain of  death,  said  to  the  prince  of  hell, 

2  Prepare  to  receive  Jesus  of  Nazareth 
himself,  who  boasted  that  he  was  the  Son 
of  God,  and  yet  was  a  man  afraid  of 
death,  and  said.f  my  soul  is  sorrowful 
even  to  death. 

3  Besides,  he  did  manj-  injuries  to  me 
and  to  many  others ;  for  those  whom  I 
made  blind  and  lame,  and  those  also  whom 
I  tormented  with  several  devils,  he  cured 
by  his  word  ;  yea,  and  tho.se  whom  I 
brought  dead  to  thee,  he  by  force  takes 
away  from  thee. 

4  To  this  the  prince  of  hell  replied  to 
Satan,  Who  is  that  so  powerful  prince, 
and  yet  a  man  who  is  afraid  of  death  ? 

5  For  all  the  potentates  of  the  earth  are 
subject  to  mj'  power,  whom  thou  brought- 
est  to  subjection  by  thy  power. 

6  But  if  he  be  so  powerful  in  his  hu- 
man nature,  I  affirm  to  thee  for  truth,  that 
he  is  almighty  in  his  divine  nature,  and 
no  man  can  resist  his  power. 

7  When,  therefore,  he  .said  he  was 
afraid  of  death,  he  designed  to  ensnare 
thee,  and  unliappy  it  will  be  to  thee  for 
everlasting  ages. 

8  Then  Satan  replying,  said  to  the 
prince  of  hell,  why  did.«t  thou  express  a 
doubt,  and  wast  afraid  to  receive  that  Je- 
sus of  Nazareth,  both  thy  adversary  and 
mine  ? 

9  As  for  me,  I  tempted  him,  and  stir- 
red up  my  old  people  the  Jews  with  zeal 
and  anger  against  him  ; 

1 0  I  sharpened  the  spear  for  his  suf- 
fering ;  I  mixed  the  gall  and  vinegar,  and 


46 


i  Matt.  iii.  13. 


e  St.  Jerome  affirms  that  the  soul  of  Christ  went 
to  hell,     f  Matt.  xxvi.  38. 


Clirisfs  arrival 


commanded  that  he  should  drink  it ;  I 
prepared  the  cross  to  crucify  him,  and  the 
naiJs  to  pierce  throuch  his  hands  and  feet ; 
and  now  his  death  is  near  at  hand,  I  will 
bring  him  hither,  subject  both  to  thee  and 
me. 

1 1  Then  the  prince  of  hell  answering, 
said,  Thou  saidst  to  me  just  now,  that  he 
took  away  the  dead  from  me  by  force. 

1 2  They  who  have  been  kept  here  till 
they  should  live  again  upon  earth,  were 
taken  away  hence,  not  by  their  own  pow- 
er, but  by  prayers  made  to  God,  and  their 
almighty  God  took  them  from  me. 

13  Who  then  is  that  Jesus  of  Nazar- 
eth, that  by  his  word  hath  taken  away 
the  dead  from  me  without  prayer  to  God.' 

14  Perhaps  it  is  the  same  who  took 
away  from  me  Lazarus,  after  he  had  been 
four  days  dead,  and  did  both  stink  and 
was  rotten,  and  of  whom  I  had  posses- 
sion as  a  dead  person,  yet  he  brought  him 
to  life  again  by  his  power. 

15  Satan  answering,  replied  to  the 
prince  of  hell.  It  is  the  very  same  person, 
Jesus  of  Nazaieth. 

16  Which  when  the  prince  of  hell 
heard,  he  said  to  him,  I  adjure  thee  by  the 
powers  which  belong  to  thee  and  me,  that 
thou  bring  him  not  to  me. 

1 7  For  when  I  heard  of  the  power  of 
his  word,  1  trembled  for  fear,  and  all  my 
impious  company  were  at  the  same  dis- 
turbed ; 

18  And  we  were  not  able  to  detain 
Lazarus,?  but  he  gave  himself  a  shake, 
and  with  all  the  signs  of  malice,  he  im- 
mediately went  away  from  us;  and  the 
very  earth,  in  which  the  dead  body  of 
Lazarus  was  lodged,  presently  turned  him 
out  alive. 

19  And  I  know  now  that  he  is  Al- 
mighty God,  who  could  perform  such 
things,  who  is  mighty  in  his  dominion, 
and  mighty  in  his  human  nature,  who  is 
the  Saviour  of  mankind. 

20  Bring  not  therefore  this  person  hith- 
er, for  he  will  set  at  liberty  all  those  whom 
I  hold  in  prison  under  unbelief,  and  bound 
with  the  fetters  of  their  sins,  and  will  con- 
duct them  to  everiasting  life. 

CHAP.  XVL 

1  ChristJ't  arrival  at  hell's  gates ;  the  confusion  there- 
upon.    19  He  descends  into  hell. 

AND  while  Satan  and  the  prince  of 
hell  were  discoursing  thus  to  each 

g  John,  xi. 


NICODEMUS.  at  HeWs  gates. 

[  other,  on  a  sudden  there  was  a  voice  as 
of  thunder  and  the  rushing  of  vi'inds,  say- 
ing,''  Lift  up  your  gates,  0  ye  princes ; 
and  be  ye  lift  up,  0  everlasting  gates,  and 
the  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in. 

2  When  the  prince  of  hell  heard  this, 
he  said  to  Satan,  Depart  from  me,  and  be- 
gone out  of  my  habitations :  if  thou  art  a 
powerful  warrior,  figlit  with  the  King  of 
Glory.  But  what  hast  thou  to  do  with 
him .' 

3  And  he  cast  him  forth  from  his  habi- 
tations. 

4  And  the  prince  said  to  his  impious 
officers,  Shut  the  brass  gates  of  cruelty, 
and  make  them  fast  with  iron  bars,  and 
fight  courageously,  lest  we  be  taken  cap- 
fives. 

5  But  when  all  the  company  of  the 
saints  heard  this,  they  spake  with  a  loud 
voice  of  anger  to  the  prince  of  hell, 

6  Open  thy  gates,  that  the  King  of 
Glory  may  come  in. 

7  And  the  divine  prophet  David  cried 
out,  saying,'  Did  not  I,  when  on  earth, 
truly  prophesy  and  say,  0  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  forgiveness,  and 
for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children 
of  men ! 

8  For  he  hath  broken  the  gates  of 
brass,  and  cut  the  bars  of  iron  in  sunder. 
He  hath  taken  them  because  of  their  ini- 
quitj%  and  because  of  their  unrighteous- 
ness they  are  afflicted. 

9  After  this,  another  prophet,''  namely, 
holy  Isaiah,  spake  in  like  manner  to  all 
the  saints.  Did  not  I  rightly  prophesy  to 
you,  vvhen  I  was  alive  on  earth  ? 

10  The  dead  men  shall  live,  and  they 
shall  rise  again  who  are  in  their  graves, 
and  they  shall  rejoice  who  are  in  earth  ; 
for  the  dew  which  is  from  the  Lord  shall 
bring  deliverance  to  them. 

1 1  And  I  said  in  another  place,  0  death, 
where  is  thy  victory  ?  0  death,  where  is 
thy  sting  ? 

12  When  all  the  saints  heard  these 
things  spoken  by  Isaiah,  they  said  to  the 
prince  of  hell,'  Open  now  thy  gates,  and 
take  away  thine  iron  bars,  for  thou  wilt 
now  be  bound  and  have  no  power. 

13  Then  was  there  a  great  voice,  as  of 
the  sound  of  thunder,  saying,  Lift  up  your 
gates,  0  princes ;  and  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye 
gates  of  hell,  and  the  King  of  Glory  will 
enter  in. 


1»  Psalm  xxiv.  7,  &c.    1  Psalm  cvii.  15,  &c.  klMl- 
fth,  xxvi.  19.    1  Pialm  xxiT,  7,  &c, 

47 


Christ  tramples  on  Death,  NICODEMUS. 

14  The  prince  of  hell  perceiving  the 
same  voice  repeated,  cried  out,  as  though 
he  had  been  ignorant,  Who  is  that  King 
of  Glory  ? 

15  David  replied  to  the  prince  of  hell, 
and  said,  I  understand  the  words  of  that 
voice,  because  I  spake  them  by  his  spirit. 
And  nov^s  as  I  have  above  said,  I  say 
unto  thee,  The  Lord  strong  and  power- 
ful, the  Lord  mighty  in  battle;  he  is  the 
King  of  Glory,"and  he  is  the  Lord  in 
heaven  and  in  earth  ; 

16  He  hath  looked  down  to  hear  the 
groans  of  the  prisoners,  and  to  set  loose 
those  that  are  appointed  to  death.™ 

17  And  now  thou  filthy  and  stinking 
prince  of  hell,  open  thy  gates,  that  the 
King  of  Glory  may  enter  in;  for  he  is 
the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth. 

18  While  David  was  saying  this,  the 
mighty  Lord  appeared  in  the  form  of  a 
man,  and  enlightened  those  places  which 
had  ever  before  been  darkness, 

19  And  broke  asunder  the  fetters  which 
before  could  not  be  broken  ;  and  with  his 
invincible  power  visited  those  who  sat  in 
the  deep  darkness  by  iniquity,  and  the 
shadow  of  death  by  sin." 

CHAP.  xvn. 

1  Death  and  the  devils  in  great  horror  nt  Christ's 
coming.  13  He  tramples  on  death,  seizes  the 
prince  of  liell,  and  takes  Adam  with  him  to  heaven. 

IMPIOUS  death  and  her  cruel  officers 
hearing  these  things,  were  seized  with 
fear  in  their  several  kingdoms,  when  they 
saw  the  clearness  of  the  light, 

2  And  Christ  himself  on  a  sudden  ap- 
pearing in  their  habitations,  they  cried  out 
therefore,  and  said.  We  are  bound  by 
thee ;  thou  seemest  to  intend  our  confu- 
sion before  the  Lord. 
>  3  Who  art  thou,  who  hast  no  signs  of 
corruption,  but  that  bright  appearance 
which  is  a  full  proof  of  thy  greatness,  of 
which  yet  thou  seemest  to  take  no  notice  ? 

4  Who  art  thou,  so  powerful  and  so 
weak,  so  great  and  so  little,  a  mean,  and 
yet  a  soldier  of  the  first  rank,  who  can 
command  in  the  form  of  a  servant  as  a 
common  soldier .' 

5  The  King  of  Glory,  dead  and  alive, 
though  once  slain  upon  the  cross  .' 

6  Who  layest  dead  in  the  grave,  and 
art  come  down  alive  to  us,  and  in  thy 
death  all  the  creatures  trembled,  and  all 
the  stars  were  moved,  and  now  hast  thy 


and  takes  Adam  to  glory. 


m  Psalm  cii.  19.  80. 

48 


n  Luke,  i.  79. 


liberty  among  the  dead,  and  givest  disturb- 
ance to  our  legions .' 

7  Who  art  thou,  who  dost  release  the 
captives  that  VI  ere  held  in  chains  by  oii- 
ginal  sin,  and  bringest  them  into  their 
former  liberty. 

8  Who  art  thou,  who  dost  .spread  so 
glorious  and  divine  a  light  over  those  who 
were  made  blind  by  the  darkness  of  sin  .' 

9  In  like  mannner  all  the  legions  of 
devils  were  seized  with  the  like  horror, 
and  with  the  most  .submissive  fear  cried 
out,  and  said, 

10  Whence  comes  it,  0  thou  Jesus 
Christ,  that  thou  art  a  man  so  powerful 
and  glorious  in  majesty,  so  bright  as  to 
have  no  spot,  and  so  pure  as  to  have  no 
crime .'  For  that  lower  world  of  earth, 
which  was  ever  till  now  subject  to  us,  and 
from  whence  we  received  tribute,  never 
sent  us  such  a  dread  man  before,  never 
sent  such  presents  as  these  to  the  princes 
of  hell. 

11  Who  therefore  art  thou,  who  with 
such  courage  enterest  among  our  abodes, 
and  art  riot  only  not  afraid  to  threaten  us 
with  the  greatest  punishments,  but  also 
endeavourest  to  rescue  all  others  from  the 
chains  in  which  we  hold  them  .' 

12  Perhaps  thou  art  that  Jesus,  of 
whom  Satan  just  now  spake  to  our  prince, 
that  by  the  death  of  the  cross  thou  wert 
about  to  recieve  the  power  of  death. 

13  Then  the  King  of  Glory  trampling 
upon  death,  seized  the  prince  of  hell,  de- 
prived him  of  all  his  power,  and  took  our 
earthly  father  Adam  with  him  to  his  glory. 

CHAP.  xvni. 

1  Beelzebub,  prince  of  hell,  vehemently  upbraid* 
Satan  for  persecuting  Christ  and  bringing  him  to 
hell.  14  Christ  gives  Beelzebub  dominion  over 
Satan  for  ever,  as  a  recompense  for  taking  away 
Adam  and  liis  sons. 

THEN  the  prince  of  hell  took  Satan, 
and  with  great  indignation  said  to 
him,  0  thou  prince  of  destruction,  author 
of  Beelzebub's  defeat  and  banishment,  the 
scorn  of  God's  angels,  and  loathed  by  all 
righteous  persons  !  what  inclined  thee  to 
act  thus .' 

2  Thou  wouldst  crucify  the  King  of 
Glory,  and  by  his  destruction  hast  made 
us  promises  of  very  large  advantages,  but 
as  a  fool  wert  ignorant  of  what  thou  wast 
about. 

3  For  behold  now  that  Jesus  of  Naz- 
areth, with  the  brightness  of  his  glorious 
divinity,  puts  to  flight  all  the  horrid  pow- 
ers of  darkness  and  death ; 


Satan  subjected  to  Beelzebub.         NICODEMUS. 


Departure  from  hell. 


4  He  has  broke  down  our  prisons  from 
top  to  bottom,  dismissed  all  the  captives, 
released  all  who  were  bound,  and  all  who 
were  wont  formerly  to  groan  under  the 
weight  of  their  torments,  have  now  in- 
sulted us,  and  we  are  like  to  be  defeated 
by  their  prayers. 

5  Our  impious  dominions  are  subdued, 
and  no  part  of  mankind  is  now  left  in 
our  subjection,  but  on  the  other  hand,  (hey 
all  boldly  defy  us  ; 

6  Though,  before,  the  dead  never  durst 
behave  themselves  insolently  towards  us, 
nor,  being  prisoners,  could  ever  on  any 
occasion  be  merry. 

7  IT  0  Satan,  thou  prince  of  all  the 
wicked,  father  of  the  impious  and  aban- 
doned, why  wouldst  thou  attempt  this 
exploit,  seeing  our  prisoners  were  hitherto 
always  without  the  least  hopes  of  salva- 
tion and  life  .' 

8  But  now  there  is  not  one  of  them 
does  ever  groan,  nor  is  there  the  least  ap- 
pearance of  a  tear  in  any  of  their  faces. 

9  0  prince  Satan,  thou  great  keeper  of 
the  infernal  regions,  all  thy  advantages 
which  thou  didst  acquire  by  the  forbidden 
tree,  and  the  loss  of  Paradise,  thou  hast 
now  lost  by  the  \vood  of  the  cross ; 

10  And  thy  happiness  all  then  expired, 
when  thou  didst  crucify  Jesus  Christ  the 
King  of  Glory. 

11  Thou  hast  acted  against  thine  own 
interest  and  mine,  as  thou  wilt  presently 
perceive  by  those  large  torments  and  infi- 
nite punishments  which  thou  art  about  to 
sufTer. 

12  0  Satan,  prince  of  all  evil,  author 
of  death,  and  source  of  all  pride,  thou 
shouidst  first  have  inquired  into  the  evil 
crimes  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  and  then 
thou  wouldst  have  found  that  he  was 
guilt}^  of  no  fault  worthy  of  death. 

13  Why  didst  thou  venture,  without 
either  reason  or  justice,  to  crucif}'  him, 
and  hast  brought  down  to  our  regions  a 
person  innocent  and  righteous,  and  there- 
by hast  lost  all  the  sinners,  impious  and 
unrighteous  persons  in  the  whole  world  .' 

14  While  the  prince  of  hell  was  thus 
speaking  to  Satan,  the  King  of  Glory  said 
to  Beelzebub,  the  prince  of  hell,  Satan  the 
prince,  shall  be  subject  to  thy  dominion 
for  ever,  in  the  room  of  Adam  and  his 
righteous  sons,  who  are  mine. 

CHAP.  XIX. 

1  Christ  takes  Adam  by  the  hand,  3  the  rest  of  the 
saints  join  hands,  12  and  they  all  ascend  with 
him  to  Paradise. 


rilHEN  Jesus  stretched  forth  his  hand, 
A  and  said,  Come  to  me,  all  ye  my 
saints,  who  were  created  in  my  image, 
who  were  condemned  by  the  tree  of  the 
forbidden  fruit,  and  by  the  devil  and  death; 

2  Live  now  by  the  wood  of  my  cross ; 
the  devil,  the  prince  of  this  world,  is 
overcome,  and  death  is  conquered. 

3  Then  presently  all  the  saints  were 
joined  together  under  the  hand  of  the 
most  high  God  ;  and  the  Lord  Jesus  laid 
hold  on  Adam's  hand,  and  said  to  him. 
Peace  be  to  thee,  and  all  thy  righteous 
posterity,  which  is  mine. 

4  Then  Adam,  casting  himself  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus,  addres.sed  himself  to  him 
with  tears,  in  humble  language,  and  a 
loud  voice,  saying," 

5  I  will  extol  thee,  0  Lord,  for  thou 
hast  lifted  me  up,  and  hast  not  made  my 
foes  to  lejoice  over  me.  0  Lord  my  God, 
I  cried  unto  thee  and  thou  hast  healed  me. 

6  0  Lord,  thou  hast  brought  up  my 
soul  from  the  grave  ;  thou  hast  kept  me 
alive,  that  I  should  not  go  down  to  the  pit. 

7  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  saints  of 
his,  and  give  thanks  at  the  remembrance 
of  his  holiness.  For  his  anger  endnreth 
but  for  a  moment ;  in  his  favour  is  life. 

8  In  like  manner  all  the  saints,  pros- 
trate at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  said  with  one 
voice.  Thou  art  come,  0  Ivedeemer  of  the 
world,  and  hast  actually  accomplished  all 
things,  which  thou  didst  foretel  by  the 
law  and  thy  holy  prophets. 

9  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  living  by 
thy  cross,  and  art  come  down  to  us,  that 
by  the  death  of  the  cross  thou  mightest 
deliver  us  from  hell,  and  by  thy  power 
from  death. 

10  0  Lord,  as  thou  hast  put  the  en- 
signs of  thy  glory  in  heaven,  and  hast  set 
up  the  sign  of  thy  redemption,  even  thy 
cross  on  earth  ;  so.  Lord,  set  the  sign  of 
the  victory  of  thy  cross  in  hell,  that  death 
may  have  dominion  no  longer. 

1 1  Then  the  Lord  stretching  forth  his 
hand,  made  the  sign  of  the  cross  upon 
Adam,  and  upon  all  his  saints, 

12  And  taking  hold  of  Adam  by  his 
right  hand  he  ascended  from  hell,  and  all 
the  saints  of  God  followed  him. 

1 3  Then  the  royal  prophet  David  boldly 
cried  out,  and  .said,?  O  sing  unto  the  Lord 
a  new  song,  for  he  hath  done  marvellous 
things ;  his  right  hand  and  his  holy  arm 
have  gotten  him  the  victory. 

(      0  Psalm  .XXX.  1,  &c.    P  Psalm  xcviii.  1,  &c. 

49 


Christ  and  the  saints 


NICODEMUS. 


arrive  in  heaven 


14  The  Lord  hath  made  known  his 
salvation,  his  righteousness  hath  he  open- 
ly shewn  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 

15  And  the  whole  multitude  of  saints 
answered,  saying-,i  This  honour  have  all 
his  saints,  Amen,  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

16  Afterwards,  the  prophet  Habak- 
kukf  cried  out,  and  said,  Thou  wentest 
forth  for  the  salvation  of  thy  people,  even 
for  the  salvation  of  thy  people. 

17  And  all  the  saints  said,'  Blessed  is 
he  who  corneth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord ; 
for  the  Loid  hath  enlightened  us.  This  is 
our  God  for  ever  and  ever  ;  he  shall  reign 
over  us  to  everlasting  ages,  Amen. 

18  In  like  manner  all  the  prophets 
spake  the  .sacred  things  of  his  praise,  and 
followed  the  Lord. 

CHAP.  XX. 

1  Christ  delivers  Ad:im  to  Michael  the  archangel. 
3  They  meet  Enoch  and  Elijah  in  heaven,  5  and 
also  the  blessed  thief,  who  relates  how  he  came  to 
Paradise. 

THEN  the  Lord  holding  Adam  by  the 
hand,  delivered  him  to  Michael  the 
archangel ;  and  he  led  them  into  Paradise, 
filled  with  mercy  and  glory  ; 

2  And  two  very  ancient  men  met  them, 
and  were  asked  by  the  saints.  Who  are 
ye,  who  have  not  yet  been  with  us  in 
hell,  and  have  had  your  bodies  placed  in 
Paradise  .' 

3  One  of  them  answering,  said,  I  am 
Enoch,  who  was  translated  by  the  word 
of  God  ;'  and  this  man  who  is  with  me, 
is  Elijah  the  Tishbite,  v\ho  was  transla- 
ted in  a  fieiy  chariot." 

4  Here  we  have  hitherto  been,  and 
have  not  tasted  death,  but  are  now  about 
to  return  at  the  coming  of  Antichrist,  be- 
ing armed  with  divine  signs  and  miracles, 
to  engage  with  him  in  battle,  and  to  be 
slain  oy  him  in  Jerusalem,  and  to  be  taken 
up  alive  again  into  the  clouds,  after  three 
days  and  a  half." 

5  IT  And  while  the  holy  Enoch  and 
Elias  were  relating  this,  behold  there 
came  another  man  in  a  miserable  figure, 
carrying  the  sign  of  the  cross  upon  his 
shoulders. 

6  And  when  all  the  saints  saw  him, 
they  said  to  him.  Who  art  thou  ?  For 
thy  countenance  is  like  a  thief's;  and 
v>'hy  dost  thou  carry  a  cross  upon  thy 
shoulders .' 

7  To  which  he  answering,  said,  Yesay 


q  Psalm  cxli.x.  2.     r  Hab.  iii.  13.    'Matt,  xxii    ;-,9. 
t  Gen.  V.  24.    «  2  Kings,  ii.  11.    t  Eev.  xi.  11. 

50 


right,  for  1  was  a  thief,  who  committed 
all  sorts  of  wickedness  upon  earth. 

8  And  the  Jews  crucified  me  with 
Jesus  ;  and  1  observed  the  surprising 
things  which  happened  in  the  creation  at 
the  cruciii.xion  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 

9  And  I  believed  him  to  be  the  Creator 
of  all  things,  and  the  Almighty  King ; 
and  I  piayed  to  him,  saying.  Lord,  re- 
member me,  when  thou  comest  into  thy 
kingdom. 

10  He  presently  regarded  my  supplica- 
tion, and  said  to  me.  Verily  I  say  unto 
ihee,  this  day  thou  shalt  be  with  me  in 
Paradise  ?" 

11  And  he  gave  me  this  sign  of  the 
cross,  saying.  Cany  this,  and  go  to  Para- 
dise ;  and  if  the  angel  who  is  the  guard 
of  Paradise  will  not  admit  thee,  shew 
him  the  .sign  of  the  cross,  and  say  unto 
him  :  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  now  crucilied, 
hath  sent  me  hither  to  thee. 

12  When  I  did  this,  and  told  the  angel 
who  is  the  guard  of  Paradise  all  these 
things,  and  he  heard  them,  he  presently 
opened  the  gates,  introduced  me,  and 
placed  me  on  the  right  hand  in  Paradi.se, 

13  Saying,  Stay  here  a  little  time,  till 
Adam,  the  father  of  all  mankind,  shall 
enter  in,  with  all  his  .sons,  who  are  the 
holy  and  righteous  servants  of  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  crucified. 

14  When  they  heard  all  this  account 
from  the  thief,  all  the  patriarchs  said  with 
one  voice,  Blessed  be  thou,  0  Almighty 
God,  the  father  of  everlasting  goodness, 
and  the  Father  of  mercies,  who  hast 
shewn  such  favour  to  those  who  were 
sinners  against  him,  and  hast  brought 
them  to  the  mercy  of  Paradise,  and  hast 
placed  them  amidst  thy  large  and  spiritual 
provisions,  in  a  spiritual  and  holy  life. 
Amen. 

CHAP.  XXL 

1  Charinus  and  Lenthius  being  only  allowed  thre* 
days  to  remain  on  earth,  7  deliver  in  their  narra- 
tions, which  miraculously  correspond ;  they  van- 
ish,   13  and  Pilate  records  these  transactions. 

THESE  are  the  divine  and  sacred  mys- 
teries which  we  saw  and  heard.  I 
Charinus  and  Lenthius  are  not  allowed 
to  declare  the  other  mysteries  of  God,  as 
the  archangel  Michael  ordered  us. 

2  "Saying,  Ye  shall  go  with  my  breth- 
ren to  Jerusalem,  and  shall  continue  in 
prayers,  declaring  and  glorifying  the  re- 
surrection of  Jesus  Christ,  seeing  he  hath 

wLuke,  xxiij.  43. 


The  Jews  acknowledse 


NICODEMUS. 


Jesus  to  he  tlie  Saviour. 


raised  you  from  the  dead  at  the  same 
time  with  himself. 

3  And  ye  shall  not  talk  with  any  man, 
but  sit  as  dumb  persons  till  the  time  come 
when  the  Lord  will  allow  you  to  relate 
the  mysteries  of  his  divinity. 

4  The  archangel  Michael  farther  com- 
manded us  to  go  beyond  Jordan,  to  an 
excellent  and  fat  country,  where  there  are 
many  who  rose  from  the  dead  alonrwith 
us  for  the  proof  of  the  resurrectioji  of 
Christ. 

5  For  we  have  only  three  days  allowed 
us  from  the  dead,  who  arose  to  celebrate 
the  passover  of  our  Lord  with  our  pa- 
rents, and  to  bear  our  testimony  for  Christ 
the  Lord,  and  we  have  been  baptized  in 
the  holy  river  of  Jordan.  And  now  they 
are  not  seen  by  any  one. 

6  This  is  as  much  as  God  allowed  us 
to  relate  to  you  ;  give  ye  therefore  praise 
and  honor  to  him,  and  repent,  and  he  will 
have  mercy  upon  you.  Peace  be  to  you 
from  the  Lord  God  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
Saviour  of  us  all.     Amen,  Amen,  Amen. 

7  And  after  they  had  made  an  end  of 
writing,  and  had  wrote  in  two  distinct 
pieces  of  paper,  Charinus  gave  what  he 
wrote  into  the  hands  of  Annas,  and  Cai- 
aphas,  and  Gamaliel. 

8  Lenthius  likewise  gave  what  he 
wrote  into  the  hands  of  Nicodemus  and 
Joseph;  and  immediately  they  were 
changed  into  exceeding  white  forms,  and 
were  seen  no  more. 

9  But  what  they  had  wrote  was  found 
perfectly  to  agree,  the  one  not  containing 
one  letter  more  or  less  than  the  other. 

10  When  all  the  assembly  of  the  Jews 
heard  all  these  surprising  relations  of 
Charinus  and  Lenthius,  they  said  to  each 
other,  Truly  all  these  things  were  wrought 
by  God,  and  bles.sed  be  the  Lord  Jesus 
for  ever  and  ever,  Amen. 

1 1  And  they  all  went  out  with  great 
concern,  and  fear,  and  trembling,  and 
smote  upon  their  breasts,  and  went  away 
every  one  to  his  home. 

12  But  immmediately  all  these  things 
which  were  related  by  the  Jews  in  their 
synagogue  concerning  Jesus,  were  pre- 
sently told  by  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  to 
the  governor, 

13  And  Pilate  wrote  dovm  all  these 
transactions,  and  placed  all  these  accounts 
in  the  public  records  of  his  hall. 

CHAP.  XXII. 

1  Pikte  goes  to  the  temple  ;  calli  together  the  ruleri, 


and  scribes,  and  doctors;  2  comma nrls  the  gates 
to  be  shut ;  orders  the  book  of  the  Scripture,  and 
causes  tlie  Jews  to  relate  what  they  really  knew 
concerning  Christ.  14  They  declare  that  tliey 
crucified  Christ  in  ignorance,  and  that  Ihey  now 
know  him  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  according  to  the 
testimony  of  the  Scriptures ;  wliich,  after  tusy  put 
him  to  death,  they  examined. 

AFTER  these  things  Pilate  went  to  the 
temple  of  the  Jews,  and  called  to- 
gether all  the  scribes,  and  doctors  of  the 
law,  and  went  with  them  into  a  chapel 
of  the  temple, 

2  And  commanding  that  all  the  gates 
should  be  shut,  said  to  them,  I  nave 
heard  that  ye  have  a  certain  large  book 
in  this  temple;  I  desire  you,  therefore, 
that  it  may  be  brought  before  me. 

3  And  when  the  great  book,  carried  by 
four  ministers  of  the  temple,  and  adorned 
with  gold  and  precious  stones,  was 
brought,  Pilate  said  to  them  all,  I  adjure 
you  by  the  God  of  your  fathers,  who 
made  and  commanded  this  temple  to  be 
built,  that  ye  conceal  not  the  truth  from 
me. 

4  Ye  know  all  the  things  which  are 
written  in  that  book ;  tell  me  therefore 
now,  if  ye  in  the  Scriptures  have  found 
any  thing  of  thai  Jesus  whom  ye  cruci- 
fied, and  at  what  time  of  the  world  he 
ought  to  have  come  :  shew  it  me. 

5  Then  having  sworn  Annas  and  Caia- 
phas,  they  commanded  all  the  rest  who 
were  with  them  to  go  out  of  the  chapel, 

6  And  they  shut  the  gates  of  the 
temple  and  of  the  chapel,  and  said  to 
Pilate,  Thou  hast  made  us  to  swear,  0 
judge,  by  the  building  of  this  temple,  to 
declare  to  thee  that  which  is  true  and 
right. 

7  After  we  had  crucified  Jesus,  not 
knowing  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God,  but 
supposing  he  wrought  his  miracles  by 
some  magical  arts,  we  summoned  a  large 
assembl)'  in  this  temple. 

8  And  when  we  were  deliberating 
among  one  another  about  the  miracles 
which  Jesus  had  wrought,  we  found  many 
witnesses  of  our  own  country,  who  de- 
clared that  they  had  seen  him  alive  after 
his  death,  and  that  they  heard  him  dis- 
coursing with  his  disciples,  and  saw  him 
ascending  unto  the  height  of  the  heavens, 
and  entering  into  them  ; 

9  And  we  saw  two  witnespes,  whose 
bodies  Jesus  raised  from  the  dead,  who 
told  us  of  many  things  which  Jesus  did 
among  the  dead,  of  which  we  have  a 
written  account  in  our  hands. 

10  And  it  is  our  custom  annually  to 

51 


The  Jewish 


THE  APOSTLES'  CREED. 


chronology. 


open  this  holy  book  before  an  assembly, 
and  to  search  there  lor  the  counsel  of 
God; 

11  And  we  found  in  the  first  of  the 
seventy  books,  where  Michael  the  arch- 
angel in  speaking  to  the  third  son  of 
Adam  the  first  man,  an  account  that  after 
five  thousand  five  hundred  years,  Christ 
the  most  beloved  Son  of  God  was  to  come 
on  earth, 

1 2  And  we  farther  considered,  that  per- 
haps he  was  the  very  God  of  Israel  who 
spake  to  Moses,  Thou  shalt  make  the 
ark  of  the  testimony ;  two  cubits  and  a 
half  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and  a 
cubit  and  a  half  the  breadth  thereof,  and 
a  cubit  and  a  half  the  height  thereof." 

13  By  these  five  cubits  and  a  half  for 
the  building  of  the  ark  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, we  perceived  and  knew  that  in  five 
thousand  years  and  half  (one  thousand) 
years,  Jesus  Christ  was  to  come  in  the 
ark  or  tabernacle  of  a  body  ; 

14  And  so  our  Scriptures  testify  that 
he  is  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Lord  and 
King  of  Israel. 

15  And  because  after  his  sufTering,  our 
chief  priests  were  surprised  at  the  signs 
which  were  wrought  by  his  means,  we 
opened  that  book  to  search  all  the  gener- 
ations down  to  the  generation  of  Joseph 
and  Mary  the  mother  of  Jesus,  supposing 
him  to  be  of  the  seed  of  David  ; 

16  And  we  found  the  account  of  the 
creation,  and  at  what  time  he  made  the 


I  E.xod,  XXV.  10. 


heaven  and  the  earth,  and  the  first  man 
Adam,  and  that  from  thence  to  the  flood, 
were  two  thousand,  two  hundred,  and 
twelve  years. 

17  And  tram  the  flood  to  Abraham, 
nine  hundred  and  twelve.  And  from 
Abraham  to  Moses,  four  hundred  and 
thirty.  And  from  Moses  to  David  the 
king,  five  hundred  and  ten. 

IS  And  from  David  to  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  five  hundred  years.  And  from 
the  Babylonish  captivity  to  the  incarna- 
tion of  Christ,  four  hundred  years. 

19  The  sum  of  all  which  amounts  to 
five  thousand  and  half  (a  thousand.) 

20  And  so  it  appears,  that  Jesus,  whom 
we  crucified,  is  Jesus  Christ  the  Son  of 
God,  and  true  and  Almighty  God.    Amen. 

IT  hi  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  thus 
end  the  Acts  of  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  which  the  Emperor  Theodosius 
the  Great  found  at  Jerusalem,  in  the 
hall  of  Pontius  Pilate  among  the  pub- 
lic records ;  the  things  tvere  acted  in  the 
nineteenth  year  of  Tiberius  Ca:sar, 
Emperor  of  the  Romans,  and  in  the 
seventeenth  year  of  the  government  cf 
Herod  the  son  of  Herod  kins  of  Gali- 
lee, on  the  eighth  of  the  calends  of  April, 
lohich  is  the  twenty-third  day  nf  the 
month  of  March,  in  the  ecu"''  Olym- 
piad, when  Joseph  and  Caiaphas  were 
rulers  of  the  Jews ;  being  a  History 
written  in  Hebrew  by  Nicodemus,  of 
what  happened  after  our  Saviour's  cru- 
cifixion. 


The  APOSTLES'  CREED. 


[It  is  affirmed  by  Ambrose,  "that  the  twelve  Apostles,  as  skilful  artificers,  assembled  together,  and  made  a 
key  by  their  common  advice,  that  is,  the  Creed  ;  by  which  the  darkness  of  the  devil  is  disclosed,  that 
the  light  of  Christ  may  appear.''^  Others  fable  that  every  Apostle  inserted  an  article,  by  which  the 
Creed  is  divided  into  twelve  articles  ;  and  a  sermon,  fathered  upon  St.  Austin,  and  quoted  by  the 
Lord  Chancellor  King,  fabricates  that  each  particular  article  was  thus  inserted  by  each  particular 
Apostle : 

"  Peter. — 1.  I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty  ; 

"  John. — 2.  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

'•  James. — 3.  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son,  our  Lord  ; 

".Andrew. — 4.  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  ; 

"  Philip. — 5.  Suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried  ; 

"  Thomas. — 6.  He  descended  into  hell,  and  the  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead  ; 

"  Bartholomew. — 7.  He  a.'cended  into  heaven,  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Alroightj; 

"  Matthew  — 8.  From  thence  shall  he  come  to  judge  the  quick  <ind  the  dead ; 

52 


The  two  THE  APOSTLES'  CREED.  Creeds. 

"James,  the  son  of  Alpheus. — 9.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  Catholic  Church  ; 
"Simon  Zelotes. — 10.  The  communion  ol"  saints,  the  forgiveness  of  sins; 
"  Jude,  the  brother  of  James. — 11.  The  resurrection  of  the  body  ; 
"  Matthias. — 12.  Life  everlasting.     Amen."b 

Archbishop  Wake  says,  "With  respect  to  the  Apostles  being  the  authors  of  this  Creed,  it  is  not 
roy  intention  to  enter  on  any  parliculir  examination  of  this  matter,  which  has  been  so  fully  handled, 
not  only  by  the  late  critics  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  Natalis  Alexander,^  Du  Pin,d  etc.,  but  yet  more 
especially  by  Archbishoji  Usher,»  Gerard  Vossius,f  Suicer.g  Spanhemius.h  Tentzelius.i  and  Sam.  Bas- 
nage,k  among  the  Protestants.  It  shall  suffice  to  say,  that  as  it  is  not  likely,  that  had  any  such  thing 
as  this  been  done  by  the  Apostles,  St.  Luke  would  havo  passed  it  by,  without  taking  the  least  notice 
of  it:  so  the  diversity  of  Creeds  in  the  ancient  Church  ;  and  that  not  only  in  expression,  but  in  some 
whole  articles  too,  sufficiently  shows,  that  the  Creed  which  we  call  by  that  name,  was  not  composed 
by  the  twelve  Apostles,  much  less  in  the  same  form  which  it  now  is."' 

Mr.  Justice  Bailey  says,  "  It  is  not  to  be  understood  that  this  Creed  was  framed  bj  the  Apostles, 
or  indeed  that  it  existed  as  a  Creed  in  their  time;"Di  and  after  giving  the  Creed  as  it  existed  in  the 
year  60(1,  and  which  is  here  copied  from  his  Common  Prayer  Book,  he  says,  "  how  long  this  form  had 
existed  before  the  year  000  is  not  exactly  known.  The  additions  were  probably  made  in  opposition  to 
particular  heresies  and  errors." 

The  most  important  "  addition,"  since  the  year  of  Christ  600,  is  that  which  affirms,  that  Chri< 
descended  into  heU.  This  has  been  proved  not  only  to  have  been  an  invention  after  the  A])ostles'  time, 
but  even  after  the  time  of  Eusebius.  Bisho])  Pearson  says,n  that  the  descent  into  hell  was  not  in  the 
ancient  creeds  or  rules  of  faith.  "  It  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  rules  of  faith  delivered  by  Irenaeus,o  by 
Origen.p  or  by  Tertullian.q  It  is  not  expressed  in  those  creeds  which  were  made  by  the  councils  as 
larger  explications  of  the  .\postles'  Creed  ;  not  in  the  Nicene,  or  Constantino])olitan  ;  not  in  those  of 
EpTiesus,  or  Chalcedon  ;  not  in  those  confessions  made  at  Sardica,  Antioch,  Seleucia,  Sirmium,  &c. 
It  is  not  mentioned  in  several  confessions  of  faith  delivered  by  particular  persons  ;  not  in  that  of  Euse- 
bius Ca;sariensis,  presented  to  the  council  of  Nice  ;r  not  in  that  of  Marcellus,  bishop  of  Ancyra,  delivered 
to  Pope  Julius  ;s  not  in  that  of  Arius  and  Euzoius,  presented  to  Constuntine  ;t  not  in  that  of  Acacius, 
bishop  of  Citsarea,  delivered  into  the  synod  of  Seleucia  ;«  not  in  that  of  Eustathius,  Theophilus,  and 
Sylvanus,  sent  to  Liberius  ;v  there  is  no  mention  of  it  in  the  creed  of  St.  Basil  ;w  jn  the  creed  of  Epi- 
phanius,!  Geliisius,  Damasus,  Maccarius,  &c.  It  is  not  in  the  creed  exiiuiinded  by  St.  Cyril,  though 
some  have  produced  that  creed  to  prove  it.  It  is  not  in  the  creed  exiiouiuied  by  St.  Augustine;!  not 
in  that  other, z  attributed  to  St.  Augubtine  in  another  jilace  ;  not  in  that  expounded  by  Maximus  Tau- 
rinensis  ;  nor  in  that  so  often  intrepreted  by  Petrus  Chrysclogus  ;  nor  in  that  of  the  church  of  Antioch, 
delivered  by  Cassianus  ;»  neither  is  it  to  be  seen  in  the  MS.  creeds  set  forth  by  the  learned  Archbishop 
of  Armagh.  It  it  is  affirmed  by  Rulinus,  that  in  his  time  it  was  neither  in  the  Bomaii  nor  the  Oriental 
Creeds."b] 


THE  APOSTLES'  CREED, 

As  it  stood  An.  Dom.  600.     Copied  from  Mr.  Justice  As  it  now  stands  in  the  book  of  Common  Prayer  of 

Bailey's  Edition  of  the  book  of  Common  Prayer.  the  LTnited  Church  of  England  and  Ireland  as  by 

"  Before  the  year  600,  it  was  no  more  than  this." —  law  established. 
Mr.  Justice  Bailey,  p.  9,  n. 

1  I  BELIEVE  in  God  the  Father  Al-  1  I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty :  mighty,  maker  of  heaven  and  earth  : 

2  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  begot-  2  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son, 
ten  Son,  our  Lord  ;  our  Lord  ; 

3  Who  was  born  of  the  Holy  Ghost  3  Who  was  conceived  by  the    Holy 
and  Virgin  Mary,  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 

4  And  was  crucified  under  Pontius  Pi-  4  Suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was 
late,  and  was  buried ;  crucified,  dead,  and  buried  ; 

5  And  the  third  day  rose  again  from  5  He  descended  into  hell ; 
the  dead, 

6  Ascended  into  heaven,  sitteth  on  the  6  The  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the 


right  hand  of  the  Father  ;  dead 


a  Ambr.  Opera,  torn.  iii.  Serin.  38,  p.  265.  •>  King's  Hist,  .\post.  Creed,  8vo.  p.  26.  e  Nat.  Alex. 
$1.  vol.  i.  p.  400,  &c.  d  Uu  Pin,  Biblioth.  Eccles.  vol.  i.  p.  23,  &c.  e  Diatrib.  de  Symb.  f  Voss. 
Dissert,  de  tribus  Symbolis.  g  Suicer.  Thesaur.  Eccles.  torn.  ii.  Voce  (rCfiSoXov,  p.  1086,  &c.  h  Span- 
hem.  Introd.  ad  Hist.  Eccles.  ijii.c.  3.  i  Ernest.  Tentzel.  Exercit.  select  E.xercit.  I.  k  Sam.  Bas- 
nage,  Exercit.  Hist.  Crit.  ad  Ann.  XLIV.  num.  17,  18.  '  Wake's  A(>ost.  Fathers,  8vo.  p.  103.  m  Mr. 
Justice  Bailey's  Common  Prayer,  1813,  p.  9.  n  Pearson  on  the  Creed,  fol.  1676,  p.  225.  o  Lib.  1.  c.  2. 
p  Lib.  de  Princip.  in  Procem.  q  Advers.  Praxeam.  c.  ii.  Virgin,  Veland.  c.  1. — De  Praescrip.  advers. 
Haeres.  c.  13.  r  Theodoret,  I.  1.  c.  2.  »  Epiphan.  Haeres.  72.  t  Socrat.  1.  1.  c.  19.  a  Ibid.  I.  2. 
c.  40.  ■»  Ibid.  1.  4.  c.  12.  w  Tract,  de  Fide  in  Ascet.  x  In  Anchorat.  c.  120.  r  De  Fide  et' 
Symbolo.      *  De  Symbolo.  ad  Catechumenos.      a  De  Incarnat.  lib.  6.      b  Exposit.  in  Symbol  Apost.  $  20 

53 


Pav2  rejoices 


LAODICEANS. 


in  his  sufferings. 


7  Whence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead ; 

8  And  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 

9  The  Holy  Church  ; 

10  The  remission  of  sins; 

11  And  the  resurrection  of  the  flesh, 
Amen. 


7  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty ; 

8  From  thence  he  shall  com.e  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead. 

9  IT  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 

10  The  Holy  Catholic  Chui-ch  ;  the 
communion  of  saint? ; 

11  The  forgiveness  of  sins; 

12  The  resurrection  of  the  body;  and 
the  life  everlasting,  Amen. 


The  EPISTLE  of  PAUL  the  APOSTLE  to  the  LAODI- 

CEANS. 


[This  Epistle  has  been  hifihiy  esteemed  by  several  learned  men  of  the  church  of  Rome,  and  others.  The 
Q,uukers  have  printed  a.  translation,  and  plead  for  it,  as  the  render  may  see,  by  consulting  Poole's  An- 
notations on  Col.  iv.  16.  yixtus  Sanensis  mentions  two  BISS.,  the  one  in  the  Sorbonne  Library  at 
Paris,  which  is  a  very  ancient  copy,  and  the  other  in  the  Library  of  Joannes  4  Viridario,  at  P.idua, 
which  he  transcribed  and  published  :  and  which  is  the  authority  for  the  following  trnnslntion.  Thf  re 
is  a  very  old  transLation  of  this  Epistle  in  the  British  Museum,  among  the  liarleian  MSS.  Cod.  1212.] 


1  He  salutes  the  brethren  ;  3  exhorts  them  to  perse- 
vere in  good  works,  4  and  not  be  moved  by  vain 
speaking.  G  Rejoices  in  his  bonds,  JO  and  desires 
them  to  live  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

PAUL,  an  Apostle,  not  of  men,  neither 
by  man,  but  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the 
brethren  which  are  at  Laodicea. 

2  Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace  from  God 
the  Father,  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

3  I  thank  Christ  in  every  prayer  of 
mine,  that  ye  continue  and  persevere  in 
good  works,  looking  for  that  which  is 
promised  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

4  Let  not  the  vain  speeches  of  any 
trouble  you,  who  pervert  the  truth,  that 
they  mav  draw  you  aside  from  the  truth 
of  the  Gospel  which  I  have  preached. 

5  And  now  may  God  grant,  that  my 
converts  may  attain  to  a  perfect  knowledge 
of  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  be  beneficent, 
and  doing  good  works  which  accompany 
salvation. 

6  And  now  my  bonds,  which  I  suffer 
in  Chriit,  are  manifest,  in  which  I  rejoice 
and  am  glad. 

7  For  I  know  that  this  shall  turn  to 
my  salvation  for  ever,  which  shall  be 
through  your  prayer,  and  the  supply  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

8  Whether  I  hve  or  die  ;  (for)  to  me 

54 


to  live  shall  be  a  life  to  Christ,  to  die  will 
be  joy. 

9  And  our  Lord  will  grant  us  his  mer- 
cy, that  ye  may  have  the  same  love,  and 
be  like-minded. 

10  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have 
heard  of  the  coming  of  the  Lord,  so  think 
and  act  in  fear,  and  it  shall  be  to  you  life 
eternal ; 

11  For  it  is  God,  who  workelh  in  you 

12  And  do  all  things  without  sin. 

13  And  what  is  best,  my  beloved,  re- 
joice in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  avoid 
all  filthy  lucre. 

14  Let  all  your  reque.«ts  be  made 
known  to  God,  and  be  steady  in  the  doc- 
trine of  Christ. 

15  And  whatsoever  things  are  .=ound. 
and  true,  and  of  good  report,  and  chaste 
and  just,  and  lovely,  these  things  do. 

16  Those  things  which  ye  have  heard, 
and  received,  think  on  these  things,  and 
peace  shall  be  with  you. 

17  All  the  saints  salute  you. 

18  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  your  spirit.     Amen. 

19  Cause  this  Epistle  to  be  read  to  the 
Colossians,  and  the  Epistle  of  the  Colos- 
sians  to  be  read  among  you. 


Letters  between 


PAUL  AND  SENECA. 


Paul  and  Seneca 


The  EPISTLES  of  PAUL  the  APOSTLE  to  SENECA  with 
SENECA'S  to  PAUL. 


[Several  very  learned  writers  have  entertained  a  favorable  opiiiion  of  these  Epistles.  They  are  undoubt- 
edly of  iiigh  antiquity.  Salmerou  cites  tlieni  to  prove  that  Seneca  was  one  of  Caisur's  household, 
referred  to  by  Paul,  Philip,  iv.  2i.  saluting  the  brethren  at  Phiiippi.  In  .Jerome's  enumeration  of  illus- 
trious men,  he  places  Seneca,  on  account  of  these  Epistles,  amongst  the  eccleaiastical  and  holy  writers 
iif  the  Christian  church.  Sixtus  Senensis  has  published  them  in  iiis  Bibliutlieque,  p.  89,  90  ;  and  it  is 
from  thence  that  the  present  translation  is  made.  Baronius,  Bellarmine,  Dr.  Cave,  Spauheim,  and 
others,  contend  that  they  are  not  genuine.] 


CHAP.  I. 

Anm.eus  Seneca,  to  Paul  Greetijig. 

1  SUPPOSE,  Paul,  that  you  have  been 
informed  of  that  conversation,  which 
passed  yesterday  between  me  and  my  Lu- 
cilius,  concerning  hypocrisy  and  other 
subjects ;  for  there  were  some  of  your 
disciples  in  company  with  us ; 

2  For  when  we  were  retired  into  the 
Sallustian  gardens,  through  which  they 
were  also  passing,  and  would  have  gone 
another  way,  by  our  persuasion  they 
joined  company  with  us. 

3  I  desire  you  to  believe,  that  we  much 
wish  for  your  conversation  : 

4  We  were  much  delighted  with  your 
book  of  many  Epistles,  which  you  have 
wrote  to  some  cities  and  chief  towns  of 
provinces,  and  contain  wonderful  instruc- 
tions for  moral  conduct : 

5  Such  sentiments,  as  I  suppose  you 
were  not  the  author  of,  but  only  the  in- 
strument of  conveying,  though  sometimes 
loth  the  author  and  the  instrument. 

6  For  such  is  the  sublimity  of  those 
doctrines,  and  their  grandeur,  that  I  sup- 
pose the  age  of  a  man  is  scarce  sufficient 
to  be  instructed  and  perfected  in  the 
knowledge  of  them.  I  wish  your  wel- 
fare, my  brother.     Farewell. 

CHAP.  n. 

Paul  to  Seneca  Greeting. 

IKECEIVED  your  letter  yesterday 
with  pleasure ;  to  which  I  could  im- 
mediately have  wrote  an  answer,  had  the 
young  man  been  at  home,  whom  I  in- 
tended to  have  sent  to  you  : 

2  For  you  know  when,  and  by  whom, 
at  what  seasons,  and  to  whom,  I  must 
deliver  every  thing  which  I  send. 

3  I  desire  therefore  you  would  not 
charge  me  with  negligence,  if  I  wait  for 
a  proper  person. 

4  I  reckon  myself  very  happy  in  hav- 


ing the  judgment  of  so  valuable  a  person, 
that  you  are  deligiited  with  my  Epistles  : 
5  For  you  would  not  .be  esteemed  a 
censor,  a  philosopher,  or  be  the  tutor  of 
so  great  a  prince,  and  a  master  of  every 
thing,  if  you  were  not  sincere.  I  wish 
you  a  lasting  prosperity. 

CHAP.  ur. 

Ann«:us  Seneca  to  Paul  Greeting. 

I  HAVE  completed  some  volumes,  and 
divided  them  into  their  proper  parts. 

2  1  am  determined  to  read  them  to 
Caesar,  and  if  any  favorable  opportunity 
happens,  you  shall  be  present,  when  they 
are  read  ; 

3  But  if  that  cannot  be,  I  will  appoint 
and  give  you  notice  of  a  day,  when  we 
will  together  read  over  the  performance. 

4  I  had  determined,  if  I  could  with 
safety,  first  to  have  your  opinion  of  it, 
before  I  published  to  Caesar,  that  you 
might  be  convinced  of  my  aHection  to 
you.     Farewell,  dearest  Paul. 

CHAP.  IV. 

Paxjl  to  Seneca  Greeting. 

AS  often  as  1  read  your  letters,  I  im- 
agine you  present  with  me ;  nor  in- 
deed do  I  think  any  other,  than  that  you 
are  always  with  us. 

2  As  soon  therefore  as  you  begin  to 
come,  we  shall  presently  see  each  other 
I  wish  you  all  prosperity. 

CHAP.  V. 

Ann^cs  Seksca  to  Paol  Greeting. 

E  are  very  much  concerned  at  yonr 
too  long  absence  from  us. 

2  What  is  it,  or  what  affairs  are  they, 
which  obstruct  your  coming .' 

3  If  you  fear  the  anger  of  Cassar,  be- 
cause you  have  abandoned  your  former 
religion,  and  made  pro.selytes  also  of 
others,  you  have  this  to  plead,  that  your 

55 


Letters  between 


PAUL  AND  SENECA. 


Paul  and  Seneca. 


acting  thus  proceeded  not  from  inconstan- 
cy, but  judgment.     Farewell. 

CHAP.  VI. 

Paul  to  .Seneca  and  Luciuus  Greeting. 

CONCERNING  those  things,  about 
which  ye  wrote  to  me,  it  is  not 
proper,  for  me  to  mention  any  thing  in 
writing  with  })en  and  ink  :  the  one  of 
which  leaves  marks,  and  the  other  evi- 
dently declares  things. 

2  Especially  since  I  know  that  there 
are  near  you,  as  well  as  me,  those  who 
will  imderstand  my  meaning. 

3  Deference  is  to  be  paid  to  all  men, 
and  so  much  the  more  as  they  more 
likely  to  take  occasions  of  quarrelling. 

4  And  if  we  shew  a  submissive  tem- 
per, we  shall  overcome  effectually  in  all 
points,  if  so  be  they  are,  who  are  capa- 
ble of  seeing  and  acknowledging  them- 
selves to  have  been  in  the  wrong.  Fare- 
well. 

CHAP.  VII. 

ANN.tus  Seneca  to  Paul  Greeting. 

1  PROFESS  myself  e.xtremely  pleased 
with  reading  your  letters  to  the  Ga- 
latians,  the  Corinthians,  and  the  people  of 
Achaia. 

2  For  the  Holy  Ghost  has  in  them 
by  you  delivered  those  sentiments  which 
are  very  lofty,  sublime,  deserving  of  all 
respect,  and  beyond  your  own  inven- 
tion. 

3  I  could  wish,  therefore,  that  when 
you  are  writing  things  so  e.vtraordinary, 
there  might  Jiot  be  wanting  an  elegance 
of  speech  agreeable  to  their  majesty. 

4  And  I  must  own,  my  brother,  that  I 
may  not  at  once  dishonestly  conceal  any 
thing  from  you,  and  be  unfaithful  to  my 
own  conscience,  that  the  emperor  is  ex- 
tremely pleased  with  the  sentiments  of 
your  Epistles  ; 

5  For  when  he  heard  the  beginning 
of  them  read,  he  declared,  That  he  was 
surprised  to  find  such  notions  in  a  person, 
who  had  not  had  a  regular  education. 

6  To  which  I  replied,  That  the  Gods 
sometimes  made  use  of  mean  (innocent) 
persons  to  speak  by,  and  gave  him  an  in- 
stance of  this  in  a  mean  countryman, 
named  Vatienus,  who,  wlien  he  was  in 
the  country  of  Reate,  had  tvio  men  ap- 
peared to  him,  called  Castor  and  Pollux, 
and  received  a  revelation  from  the  gods. 
Farewell. 

56 


CHAP.  VIII. 

Paul  to  Seneca  Gresting. 

ALTHOUGH  I  know  the  emperor  is 
both  an  admirer  and  favourer  of  our 
(religion,)  yet  give  me  leave  to  advise 
you  against  your  suffering  any  injury 
(by  shewing  favour  to  us.) 

2  I  think  indeed  you  ventured  upon  a 
very  dangerous  attempt,  when  you  would 
declare  (to  the  emperor)  that  which  is 
so  very  contrary  to  his  religion,  and  way 
of  worship ;  seeing  he  is  a  worshipper  of 
the  heathen  gods. 

3  I  know  not  what  you  jiarticularly 
had  in  view,  when  you  told  him  of  this ; 
but  I  suppose  you  did  it  out  of  a  too 
great  respect  for  me 

4  But  I  desire  that  for  the  future  you 
would  not  do  so  ;  for  you  had  need  be 
careful,  lest  by  shewing  your  afTection  to 
me,  you  should  ofTend  your  master  : 

5  His  anger  indeed  will  do  us  no  harm, 
if  he  continue  a  heathen;  nor  will  his 
not  being  angry  be  of  any  service  to  us : 

6  And  if  the  empress  act  worthy  of 
her  character,  she  will  not  be  angry ;  but 
if  she  act  as  a  woman,  she  will  be  af- 
fronted.    Farewell. 

CHAP.  IX. 

Annjecs  Seneca  to  Paul  Greeting. 

I  KNOW  that  my  letter,  wherein  I  ac- 
quainted you,  that  I  had  read  to  the 
emperor  your  Epistles,  does  not  so  much 
affect  you  as  the  nature  of  the  things 
(contained  in  them,) 

2  Which  do  so  powerfully  divert  men's 
minds  from  their  former  manners  and 
practices,  that  I  have  always  been  sur- 
prised, and  have  been  fully  convinced  of 
it  by  many  arguments  heretofore. 

3  Let  us  therefore  begin  afresh  ;  and  if 
any  thing  heretofore  has  been  imprudently 
acted,  do  you  forgive. 

4  I  have  sent  you  a  book  de  copia 
verborum.     Farewell,  dearest  Paul. 


A 


CHAP.  X. 

Paul  to  Seneca  Greeting. 

S  often  as  I  write  to  you,  and  place 
my  name  before  yours,  I  do  a  thing 
both  disagreeable  to  myself,  and  contrary 
to  our  religion  : 

2  For  I  ought,  as  I  have  often  declared, 
to  become  all  things  to  all  men,  and  to 
have  that  regard  to  your  quality,  which 
the  Roman  law  has  honored  all  senators 


Letters  between 


PAUL  AND  SENECA. 


Paul  and  Seneca. 


with  ;  namely,  to  put  my  name  last  in 
the  (inscription  of  the')  Epistle,  that  I  may 
not  at  length  with  uneasiness  and  shame 
be  obliged  to  do  that  which  it  was  always 
my  inclination  to  do.  Farewell,  most 
respected  master,  Dated  the  lifth  of  the 
calends  of  July,  in  the  fourth  Consulship 
of  Nero  and  Messala. 

CHAP.  XI. 

AfiiiMVS  Senkca  to  PAUt  Greeting. 

ALL   happiness   to   you,  my   dearest 
Paul. 

2  If  a  person  so  great,  and  every  way 
agreeable  as  you  are,  become  not  only  a 
common,  but  most  intimate  friend  to  me, 
how  happy  will  be  the  case  of  Seneca  ! 

3  You  therefore,  who  are  so  eminent, 
and  so  far  exalted  above  all,  even  the 
greatest,  do  not  think  yourself  unfit  to  be 
first  named  in  the  inscriptioji  of  an  Epis- 
tle ; 

4  Lest  I  should  suspect  you  intend  not 
so  much  to  try  me,  as  to  banter  me  ;  for 
you  know  yourself  to  be  a  Roman  citi- 
zen. 

5  And  I  could  wish  to  be  in  that  cir- 
cumstance or  station  which  you  aie,  and 
that  you  were  in  the  same  that  I  am. 
Farewell,  dearest  Paul.  Dated  the  x"' 
of  the  calends  of  April,  in  the  Consulship 
of  Aprianus  and  Capito. 

CHAP.  XII. 

Ann/EUS  Seneca  to  Paul  Greeting. 

ALL  happiness  to  you,  my  dearest 
Paul.  Do  you  not  suppose  I  am  ex- 
tremely concerned  and  grieved,  that  your 
innocence  should  bring  you  into  suffer- 
ings .' 

2  And  that  all  the  people  should  sup- 
pose you  (Christians)  so  criminal,  and 
imagine  all  the  misfortunes  that  happen  to 
the  city,  to  be  caused  by  you  ? 

3  But  let  us  bear  the  charge  with  a 
patient  temper,  appealing  (for  our  inno- 
cence) to  the  court  (above,)  which  is  the 
only  one  our  hard  fortune  will  allow  us 
to  addre.ss  to,  till  at  length  our  misfortunes 
shall  end  in  unalterable  happiness. 

4  Former  ages  have  produced  (tyrants) 
Alexander  the  son  of  Philip  and  Diony- 
Kius ;  ours  also  has  produced  Caius  Caesar; 
whose  inclinations  were  their  only  laws. 

5  As  to  the  frequent  burnings  of  the 
city  of  Rome,  the  cause  is  manifest ;  and 
if  a  person  in  my  mean  circumstances 
might  be  allowed  to  speak,  and  one  might 


declare  these  dark  things  without  danger, 
every  one  should  see  the  whole  of  the 
matter. 

6  The  Christians  and  Jews  are  indeed 
commonly  piuiished  for  the  crime  of 
burning  the  city  ;  but  that  impious  mis- 
creant, who  delights  in  murders  and 
butcheries,  and  disguises  his  villanies 
with  lies,  is  appointed  to,  or  reserved  till, 
his  proper  time  ; 

7  And  as  the  life  of  every  excellent 
person  is  now  sacrificed  instead  of  that 
one  person  (who  is  the  author  of  the  mis- 
chief,) so  this  one  shall  be  sacrificed  for 
many,  and  he  shall  be  devoted  to  be  burnt 
with  fire  instead  of  all. 

8  Ojie  hundred  and  thirty-two  houses, 
and  four  whole  squares  (or  i,slands)  were 
burnt  down  in  six  days  :  the  seventh  put 
an  end  to  the  burning.  I  wish  you  all 
happiness. 

9  Dated  the  fifth  of  the  calends  of 
April,  in  the  consulship  of  Frigius  and 
Bassus. 

CHAP.    XIII. 

Anw^us  Seneca  to  Paul  Greeting. 
LL   happiness   to  you,   my    dearest 


A 


Paul. 


2  You  have  wrote  many  volumes  in 
an  allegorical  and  mystical  style,  and 
therefore  such  mighty  matters  and  busi- 
ness being  committed  to  3rou,  require  not 
to  be  set  off  with  any  rhetorical  flourish- 
es of  speeches,  but  only  with  some  proper 
elegance. 

3  I  remember  you  often  say,  that  many 
by  affecting  such  a  style  do  injury  to  their 
subjects,  and  lose  the  force  of  the  mat- 
ters they  treat  of. 

4  But  in  this  I  desire  you  to  regard  me, 
namely,  to  have  respect  to  true  Latin,  and 
to  choose  just  words,  that  so  you  may  the 
better  manage  the  noble  trust,  which  is  re- 
posed in  you. 

5  Farewell.  Dated  v""  of  the  nones 
of  July,  Leo  and  Savinus  consuls. 

CHAP.  XIV. 

Paul  to  Seneca  Greeting. 

YOUR  serious  consideration  is  requited 
with   those    discoveries,  which   the 
Divine  Being  has  granted  but  to  few. 

2  I  am  thereby  assured  that  I  sow  the 
most  strong  seed  in  a  fertile  soil,  not  any 
thing  material,  which  is  subject  to  cor- 
ruption, but  the  durable  word  of  God, 
which  shall  increase  and  bring  forth  fruit 
to  eternity. 

57 


PauVi  appearance 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


and  companions. 


3  That  which  by  your  wisdom  you 
have  attained  to,  shall  abide  without  de- 
cay for  ever. 

4  Believe  that  you  ought  to  avoid  the 
superstitions  of  Jews  and  Gentiles. 

5  The  things  which  you  have  in  some 
measure  arrived  to, prudently  make.know-n 
to  the  emperor,  his  family,  and  to  faithful 
friends ; 

^    6  And   though   your   sentiments  will 


seem  disagreeable,  and  not  be  compre- 
hended by  them,  seeing  most  of  them  will 
not  regard  your  discourses,  yet  the  Word 
of  God  once  infused  into  them,  will  at 
length  make  them  become  new  men, 
aspiring  towards  God. 

7  Farewell,  Seneca,  who  art  most 
dear  to  us.  Dated  -on  the  calends  of 
August,  in  the  consulship  of  Leo  and 
Savinus. 


The  ACTS  of  PAUL  and  THECLA. 


fTertullian  says  tliat  this  piece  was  forged  hy  a  Presbyter  of  Asia,  who  being  convicted,  "  confessed  that 
he  did  it  out  of  respect  to  Paul,"  and  Pope  Gelasius,  in  his  decree  against  Apocryphal  books,  inserted 
it  among  them.  Notwithstanding  this,  a  large  part  of  the  History  was  credited  and  looked  upon  as 
genuine  among  the  primitive  Christians.  Cyprian,  Eusebius,  Epiplianiu.s,  Austin,  Gregory  Is'azianzen, 
Chrysostoni,  and  f^everus  Sulpitius,  who  all  lived  within  the  fourth  century,  mention  Thecjn,  or  refer 
to  her  history.  Basil  oi'  l^eleiicia  wrote  her  acts,  sufferings,  and  victories,  in  verte  ;  and  Euagrius 
Scholasticus,' an  ecclesiastical  historian,  about  590.  relates  that  "  after  the  Enii)eror  Zeno  had  abdi- 
cated his  empire,  and  Basilik  had  taken  ))ossession  of  it,  he  had  a  vision  of  the  holy  and  excellent 
martyr  Thecla,  who  promised  him  the  restoration  of  hi.s  emjjire  ;  for  which,  when  it  was  brought  about, 
he  erected  and  dedicated  a  most  noble  and  sumptuous  temple  to  this  famous  martyr  Thecla,  at  Seleu 
cia,  a  city  of  Isauria,  and  bestowed  upon  it  very  noble  endowments,  which  (says  the  author)  are  jire- 
served  even  till  this  day."  Hist.  Eccl.  lib.  3.  ca|>.  8.— Cardinal  Baronius,  Locrinus,  Archbishop 
Wake,  and  others  ;  and  also  the  learned  Grabe,  who  edited  tlio  Septuagint,  and  revived  the  Acts  of 
Paul  and  Thecla  ;  consider  them  as  having  been  written  in  the  Apostolic  age  ;  as  containing  nothing 
superstitious,  or  disagreeing  from  the  opinions  and  belief  of  those  times  ;  and,  in  short,  as  a  genuine 
and  authentic  History.  Again  it  is  said,  that  this  is  not  the  original  book  of  the  early  Christians; 
but  however  that  liiay  be,  it  is  published  from  the  Greek  MS.  in  the  Bodleian  Library  at  Oxford, 
which  Br.  Mills  copied  and  transmitted  to  Dr.  Grabe. J 


The  Marnjrdom  of  the  holy  and  glorious 
first  Martyr  and  Apostk  Thecla. 

CHAP.  L 

I  Demas  and  Hermogenes  become  Paul's  compani- 
ons. 4  Paul  visits  Onesiphorus.  8  Invited  by 
Demas  and  Hermogenes.  11  Preaches  to  the 
household  of  Onesiphorus.     12  His  sermon. 

HEN  Paul  went  up  to  Iconium, 
after  his  flight  from  Antioch,  Demas 
and  Hermogenes  became  his  companions, 
who  were  tlien  full  of  hypocrisy. 

2  But  Paul  looking  only  at  the  good- 
ness of  God,  did  them  no  harm,  but  loved 
them  greatly. 

3  Accordingly  he  endeavored  to  make 
agreeable  to  them,  all  the  oracles  and  doc- 
trines of  Christ,  and  the  design  of  the 
Gospel  of  God's  well-beloved  Son,  in- 
structing them  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ, 
as  it  was  revealed  to  him. 

4  If  And  a  certain  man  named  Onesi- 

fihorus,  hearing  that  Paul   was  come  to 
conium,  went  out  .speedily  to  meet  him, 
5S 


together  with  his  wife  Lectra,  and  his 
sons  Simmia  and  Zeno,  to  invite  him  to 
their  house. 

5  For  Titus  had  given  them  a  descrip- 
tion of  Paul's  personage,  they  as  yet  not 
knowing  him  in  person,  but  only  being 
acquainted  with  his  character. 

6  They  went  in  the  king's  highway  to 
Lystra,  and  stood  there  waiting  for  him, 
comparing  all  who  passed  by,  with  ihat 
description  which  Titus  had  given  them. 

7  At  length  they  saw  a  man  coming 
(namely  Paul,)  of  a  low  stature,  bald  (or 
shaved)  on  the  head,  crooked  thighs, 
handsome  legs,  hollow-eyed  ;  had  a 
crooked  nose ;  full  of  grace  ;  for  some- 
times he  appeared  as  a  man,  sometimes  he 
had  the  countenance  of  an  angel.  And 
Paul  saw  Onesiphorus,  and  was  glad. 

8  IT  And  Onesiphorus  said  ;  Hail,  thou 
servant  of  the  blessed  God.  Paul  re- 
plied, The  grace  of  God  be  wnth  thee  and 
thy  family. 

9  But  Demas  and  Hermogenes  were 


PauVs  sermon 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


Thecla  converted. 


moved  with  envy,  and,  under  a  shew  of 
great  religion,  Demas  said,  And  are  not 
we  also  servants  of  the  blessed  God  ? 
Why  didst  thou  not  salute  us  ? 

1 0  Onesiphorus  replied,  Because  I  have 
not  perceived  in  you  the  fruits  of  righte- 
ousness ;  nevertheless,  if  ye  are  of  that 
sort,  ye  shall  be  welcome  to  my  house  also. 

1 1  Then  Paul  went  into  the  house  of 
Onesiphorus,  and  there  was  great  joy 
among  the  family  on  that  account;  and 
they  employed  themselves  in  prayer, 
breaking  of  bread,  and  hearing  Paul 
preach  the  word  of  God  concerning  tem- 
perance and  the  resurrection,  in  the  f ol- 
io wmg  manner  : 

12  IT  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart ;  for 
they  shall  see  God. 

13  Blessed  aie  they  who  keep  their 
flesh  undeflled  (or  pure)  ;  for  they  shall 
be  the  temples  of  God. 

14  Blessedare  the  temperate  (or  chaste); 
for  God  will  reveal  himself  to  them. 

15  IT  Blessed  are  they  who  abandon 
their  secular  enjoyments ;  for  they  shall 
be  accepted  of  God. 

16  Blessed  are  they  who  have  wives, 
as  though  they  had  them  not ;  for  they 
shall  be  made  angels  of  God. 

17  Blessed  are  they  who  tremble  at  the 
word  of  God  ;  for  they  shall  be  comforted. 

18  Blessed  are  they  who  keep  their 
baptism  pure  ;  for  they  shall  find  peace 
with  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

19  IT  Blessed  are  they  who  pursue  the 
wisdom  (or  doctrine)  of  Jesus  Christ  ; 
for  they  shall  be  called  the  sons  of  the 
.Most  High. 

20  Blessed  are  they  who  observe  the 
instructions  of  Jesus  Christ  ;  for  they 
shall  dwell  in  eternal  light. 

21  Blessed  are  they,  who  for  the  love 
of  Christ  abandon  the  glories  of  the  world  ; 
for  they  shall  judge  angels,  and  be  placed 
at  the  right  hand  of  Christ,  and  shall  not 
suffer  the  bitterness  of  the  last  judgment 

22  IT  Blessed  are  the  bodies  and  souls 
of  virgins  ;  for  they  are  acceptable  to 
God,  and  shall  not  lose  the  reward  of  their 


WHILE  Paul  was  preaching  this  ser- 
mon in  the  church  which  was  in 
the  house  of  Onesiphorus,  a  certain  virgin 
named  Thecla,  (whose  mother's  name 
was  Theoclia,  and  who  was  betrothed  to 
a  man  named  Thamyris)  sat  at  a  certain 
window  in  her  hou-se. 

2  From  whence,  by  the  advantage  of  a 
window  in  the  house  where  Paul  was, 
she  both  night  and  day  heard  Paul's 
sermons  concerning  God,  concerning 
charity,  concerning  faith  in  Christ,  and 
concerning  prayer ; 

3  Nor  would  she  depart  from  the  win- 
dow, till  with  exceeding  joy  she  was  sub- 
dued to  the  doctrines  of  faith. 

4  At  length,  when  she  saw  many 
women  and  virgins  going  in  to  Paul,  she 
earnestly  desired  that  she  might  be  thought 
worthy  to  appear  in  his  presence,  and 
hear  the  word  of  Christ ;  for  she  had  not 
yet  seen  Paul's  person,  but  only  heard 
his  sermons,  and  that  alone. 

5  IT  But  when  she  would  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  depart  from  the  window, 
her  mother  sent  to  Thamyris,  who  came 
with  the  greatest  pleasure,  as  hoping  now 
to  marry  her.  Accordingly  he  said  to 
Theoclia,  Where  is  my  Thecla  ? 

6  Theoclia  replied,  Thamyris,  I  have 
something  very  strange  to  tell  you  ;  for 
Thecla,  for  the  space  of  three  days,  will 
not  move  from  the  window,  not  eo  much 
as  to  eat  or  drink,  but  is  so  intent  in 
hearing  the  artful  and  delusive  discourses 
of  a  certain  foreigner,  that  I  perfectly  ad- 
mire, Thamyris,  that  a  young  woman,  of 
her  known  modesty,  will  suffer  herself  to 
be  so  prevailed  upon. 

7  For  that  man  has  disturbed  the  whole 
city  of  Iconium,  and  even  your  Thecla, 
among  others.  All  the  women  and  young 
men  flock  to  him  to  receive  his  doctrine  ; 
who,  besides  all  the  rest,  tells  them,  that 
there  is  but  one  God,  who  alone  is  to  be 
worshipped,  and  that  we  ought  to  live  in 
chastity. 

8  IT  Notwithstanding  this,  my  daughter 
Thecla,  like  a  spider's  web  fastened  to  the 


virginity ;  for  the  word  of  their  (heaven-  j  window,  is  captivated  by  the  discourses 


ly)  Father  shall  prove  effectual  to  their 
salvation  in  the  day  of  his  Son,  and  they 
shall  enjoy  rest  for  evermore. 

CHAP.    II. 

1  Thecla  listens  anxiously  to  Paul's  preaching.  5 
Thamyris,  her  admirer,  concerts  with  Theoclia 
her  mother  to  dissuade  her  12  in  vain.  14  Demas 
and  Hermogenes  vilify  Paul  to  Thamyris. 


of  Paul,  and  attends  upon  them  with  pro- 
digious eagerness,  and  vast  delight  ;  and 
thus  by  attending  on  what  he  says,  the 
young  woman  is  seduced.  Now  then  do 
you  go,  £md  speak  to  her,  for  she  is  be- 
trothed to  you. 

9    Accordingly   Thamyris   went,   and 
having  saluted  her,  and  taking  care  not  to 
surprise  her,  he  said,  Thecla,  my  spouse, 
59 


Paul  betrayed 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


and  arrested. 


why  sittest  thou  in  this  melancholy  pos- 
ture ?  What  strange  impressions  are 
made  upon  thee  ?  Turn  to  Thamyris, 
and  blush. 

10  Her  mother  also  spoke  to  her  after 
the  same  manner,  and  said,  Child,  why 
dost  thou  sit  so  melancholy,  and,  like  one 
astonished,  makest  no  reply  ? 

11  Then  they  wept  exceedingly  ; 
Thamyiis,  that  he  had  lost  his  spouse  ; 
Theoclia,  that  she  had  lost  her  daughter ; 
and  the  maids,  that  they  had  lost  their 
mistress  ;  and  there  was  an  universal 
mourning  in  the  family. 

12  But  all  these  things  made  no  im- 
pression upon  Tliecla,  so  as  to  incline 
her  so  much  as  to  turn  to  them,  and  take 
notice  nf  them  ;  for  she  still  regarded  the 
discourses  of  Paul. 

13  Then  Thamyris  ran  forth  into  the 
street,  to  observe  who  they  were  that 
went  in  to  Paul,  and  came  out  from  him  ; 
and  he  saw  two  men  engaged  in  a  very 
warm  dispute,  and  t^aid  to  them  ; 

14  H  Sirs,  what  business  have  you 
here;  and  who  is  that  man  within,  be- 
longing to  you,  who  deludes  Uie  minds  of 
men,  both  young  men  and  virgins,  per- 
suading them,  that  they  ought  not  to  mar- 
ry, but  continue  as  they  are  ? 

15  1  promise  to  give  you  a  consider- 
able sum,  if  ye  will  give  me  a  just  ac- 
count of  him  ;  for  1  am  the  chief  person 
of  this  city. 

16  Demas  and  Hermogenes  replied, 
We  cannot  so  exactly  tell  who  he  is  ; 
but  this,  we  know,  that  he  deprives 
young  men  of  their  (intended)  wives,  and 
virgins  of  their  (intended)  husbands,  by 
teaching.  There  can  be  no  future  resur- 
rection, unless  you  continue  in  chastity, 
and  do  not  defile  your  flesh. 

CHAP.    III. 

1  They  betray  Paul.    7  Thamyris  arrests  him  with 
officers.  . 

THEN  said  Thamyris,  Come  along 
with  me  to  my  house,  and  refresh 
yourselves.  So  they  went  to  a  very 
splendid  entertainment,  where  there  was 
wine  in  abundance,  and  very  rich  provi- 
sion. 

2  They  were  brought  to  a  table  richly 
spread,  and  made  to  drink  plentifully  by 
Thamyris,  on  account  of  the  love  he  had 
for  Thecla,  and  his  desire  to  marry  her. 

3  Then  Thamyris  said,  I  desire  ye 
would  inform  me  what  the  doctrines  of 

60 


this  Paul  are,  that  I  may  understand  them ; 
for  I  am  under  no  small  concern  about 
Thecla,  seeing  she  so  delights  in  that 
stranger's  discourses,  that  I  am  in  danger 
of  losing  my  intended  wife. 

4  TI  Then  Demas  and  Hermogenes  ajr- 
swered  both  together,  and  said,  Let  him 
be  brought  before  the  governor  Castellius, 
as  one  who  endeavors  to  persuade  the 
people  into  tlie  new  religion  of  the  Chris- 
tians, and  he,  according  to  the  order  of 
Casar,  will  put  him  to  death,  by  which 
means  you  will  obtain  your  wife  ; 

5  While  we  at  the  same  time  will  teach 
her,  that  the  resurrection  which  he  speaks 
of  is  already  come,  and  consi.'^ts  in  our 
having  children  ;  and  that  we  then  arose 
again,  when  we  came  to  the  knoAvledge 
of  God. 

6  Thamyris  havine  this  account  from 
them,  was  filled  with  hot  resentment ; 

7  And  rising  early  in  the  morning,  he 
went  to  the  house  of  Onesiphorus,  attend- 
ed by  the  magistrates,  the  jailer,  and  a 
great  multitude  of  people  with  staves,  and 
said  to  Paul ; 

8  Thou  hast  perverted  the  city  of  Ico- 
nium,  and,  among  the  rest,  Thecla,  who 
is  betrothed  to  me,  so  that  now  she  will 
not  mairy  me.  Thou  shalt  therefore  go 
with  us  to  the  governor  Castellius. 

9  And  all  the  multitude  cried  out, 
Away  with  this  impostor  (magician,) 
for  he  has  perverted  the  minds  of  our 
wives,  and  all  the  people  hearken  to  him. 

CHAP.  IV. 

1  Paul  accused  before  the  governor  by  Thamyris. 
5  Defends  himself.  9.  Is  committed  to  prison,  10 
and  visited  by  Tliecla. 

THEN  Thamyris  standing  before  the 
governor's  judgment- .seat,  spake  with 
with  a  loud  voice  in  the  following  man- 
ner. 

2  O  governor,  I  know  not  whence  this 
man  cometh  ;  but  he  is  one  who  teaches 
that  matrimony  is  unlawful.  Command 
him  therefore  to  declare  before  you  for 
what  reasons  he  publishes  such  doctrines. 

3  While  he  was  saymg  thus  Demas 
and  Hermogenes  (whispered  to  Thamy- 
ris, and)  said  ;  Say  that  he  is  a  Christian, 
and  he  will  presently  be  put  to  death. 

4  But  the  governor  was  more  deliber- 
ate, and  calling  to  Paul,  he  said,  Who 
art  thou  .'  What  dost  thou  teach  .'  They 
seem  to  lay  gross  crimes  to  thy  charge. 

5  Paul  then  spake  with  a  loud  voice. 


Paul's  defence. 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


Visited  by  Thecla. 


saying,  As  I  am  now  called  to  give  an 
account,  O  governor,  of  my  doctrines,  I 
desire  your  audience. 

6  That  God,  who  is  a  God  of  ven- 
geance, and  who  stands  in  need  of  noth- 
ing but  the  salvation  of  his  creatures,  has 
sent  me  to  reclaini  them  from  their  wick- 
edness and  corruptions,  from  all  (sinful) 
pleasures,  and  from  death  ;  and  to  per- 
suade them  to  sin  no  more. 

7  On  this  account,  God  sent  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  Avhom  1  preach,  and  in 
whom  I  instruct  men  to  place  their  hopes, 
as  that  person  who  only  had  such  tom- 
passiou  on  the  deluded  world,  that  it 
might  not,  0  governor,  be  condemned, 
but  have  faith,  the  fear  of  God,  the 
knowledge  of  religion,  and  the  love  of 
truth. 

8  So  that  if  I  only  teach  those  things 
which  I  have  received  by  revelation  from 
God,  where  is  my  crime  .' 

9  When  the  governor  lieaid  this,  he 
ordered  Paul  to  be  bound,  and  to  be  put 
in  prison,  till  he  should  be  more  at  lei- 
sure to  hear  him  more  full}^ 

10  But,  in  the  night.  Thecla  taking 
off'  her  ear-rings,  gave  them  to  the  turn- 
key of  the  prison,  who  then  opened  the 
doois  to  her,  and  let  her  in  ; 

11  And  when  she  made  a  present  of  a 
silver  looking-glass,  to  the  jailer,  was  al- 
lowed to  go  into  the  room  where  Paul 
was  ;  then  she  sat  down  at  his  feet,  and 
heard  from  him  the  great  things  of  God. 

12  And  as  she  perceived  Paul  not  to 
be  afraid  of  suffering,  but  that  by  divine 
assistance  he  behaved  himself  with 
courage,  her  faith  so  far  increased  that 
she  kissed  his  chains. 

CHAP.  V. 

1  Thecla  sought  and  founJ  by  her  relations.  4 
Brought  witli  Paul  before  the  governor.  9  Order- 
ed to  be  burnt,  and  Paul  to  be  whipt.  15  Thecla 
miraculously  saveil. 

AT  length  Tli  'a  was  missed,  and 
sought  for  by  the  family  and  by 
Thamyris  in  every  street,  as  though  she 
had  been  lost ;  till  one  of  the  porter's  fel- 
low-servants told  them,  that  she  had  gone 
out  in  the  night-time. 

2  Then  they  examined  the  porter,  and 
he  told  them,  that  she  was  gone  to  the 
prison  to  the  strange  man. 

3  They  went  therefore  according  to  his 
direction,  and  there  found  her ;  and  when 
they  came  out,  they  got  a  mob  together, 
and  went  and  told  the  governor  all  that 
happened. 


4  Upon  which  he  ordered  Paul  to  be 
brought  before  his  judgment-seat. 

5  Thecla  in  the  mean  time  lay  wal- 
lowing on  the  ground  in  the  prison,  in 
that  same  place  where  Paul  had  sat  to 
teach  her ;  upon  which  the  governor  also 
ordered  her  to  be  brought  before  his  judg- 
ment seat ;  which  summons  she  received 
with  joy,  and  went. 

6  When  Paul  was  brought  thither,  the 
mob  with  more  vehemence  cried  out.  He 
is  a  magician,  let  him  die. 

7  Nevertheless,  the  governor  attended 
with  pleasure  upon  Paul's  discourses  of 
the  holy  works  of  Christ ;  and,  after  a 
council  called,  he  summoned  Thecla,  and 
said  to  her.  Why  do  you  not,  according 
to  the  law  of  the  Iconians,  marr}'  Tha- 
myris .' 

8  She  stood  still,  with  her  eyes  fixed 
upon  Paul ;  and  finding  she  made  no 
reply,  Theoclia  her  mother  cried  out,  saj'- 
ing.  Let  the  unjust  creature  be  burnt;  let 
her  be  burnt  in  the  midst  of  the  theatre, 
for  refusing  Thamyris,  that  all  women 
may  learn  from  her  to  avoid  such  practices. 

9  Then  the  governor  was  exceedingly 
concerned,  and  ordered  Paul  to  be  whipt 
out  of  the  city,  and  Thecla  to  be  burnt. 

10  So  the  governor  arose,  and  went 
immediately  into  the  iheatre  ;  and  all  the 
people  went  forth  to  see  the  dismal  sight. 

1 1  But  Thecla,  just  as  a  lamb  in  the 
wilderness  looks  every  way  to  see  his 
shepherd,  looked  aroiind  for  Paul ; 

12  And  as  she  v\as  looking  upon  the 
multitude,  she  saw  the  Lord  Jesus  \)\  the 
likeness  of  Paul,  and  said  to  herself,  Paul 
is  come  to  see  me  in  my  distressed  cir- 
cumstances. And  she  fi.ved  her  eyes 
upon  him  ;  but  he  instantly  ascended  up 
to  heaven,  while  she  looked  on  him. 

13  Then  the  young  men  and  women 
brought  wood  and  straw  for  the  burning 
of  Thecla;  who,  being  brought  naked  to 
the  stake,  extorted  tears  from  the  gover- 
nor, with  surprise  beholding  the  greatness 
of  her  beauty. 

14  And  when  they  had  placed  the 
wood  in  order,  the  people  commanded 
her  to  go  upon  it ;  which  she  did,  first 
making  the  sign  of  the  cross. 

15  Then  the  people  set  fire  to  the  pile  ; 
though  the  flame  was  exceeding  large,  it 
did  not  touch  her ;  for  God  took  compas- 
sion on  her,  and  caused  a  great  eruption 
from  the  earth  beneath,  and  a  cloud  from 
above  to  pour  down  great  quantities  of 
rain  and  hail. 

61 


Paul  fasts  in  a  cave. 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


Goes  to  Anlioch, 


16  Insomuch  that  by  the  rupture  of  the 
earth,  very  many  were  in  great  danger, 
and  some  were  killed,  the  fire  was  extin- 
guished, and  Thecla  preserved. 

CHAP.  VI. 

1  Paul  with  Onesiphorus  in  a  cave.  7  Thecla  dis- 
covers Paul ;  12  proffers  to  follow  him  :  13  he 
eihorts  her  not  for  fear  of  fornication. 

IN  the  mean  time  Paul,  together  with 
Onesiphorus,  his  wife  and  children, 
was  keeping  a  fast  in  a  certain  cave, 
which  was  in  the  road  from  Iconium  to 
Daphne. 

2  And  when  they  had  fasted  for  seve- 
ral days,  the  children  said  to  Paul,  Father, 
w^e  are  hungry,  and  have  not  wherewithal 
to  buy  bread  ;  for  Onesiphorus  had  left 
all  his  substance,  to  follow  Paul  with  his 
family. 

3  Then  Paul,  taking  off  his  coat,  said 
to  the  boy,  Go,  child,  and  buy  bread,  and 
bring  it  hither. 

4  But  while  the  boy  was  buying  the 
bread,  he  saw  his  neighbour  Thecla,  and 
was  surprised,  and  said  to  her,  Thecla, 
where  are  you  going .' 

5  She  replied,  I  am  in  pursuit  of  Paul, 
having  been  delivered  from  the  flames. 

6  The  boy  then  said,  1  will  bring  you 
to  him,  for  he  is  under  great  concern  on 
your  account,  and  has  been  in  prayer  and 
fasting  these  six  days. 

7  IT  When  ThQpla  came  to  the  cave, 
she  found  Paul  upon  his  knees,  praying 
and  saying,  0  holy  Father,  0  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  grant  that  "the  fire  may  not  touch 
Thecla  ;  but  be  her  helper,  for  she  is  thy 
servant. 

8  Thecla  then  standing  behind  him, 
cried  out  in  the  following  words  :  0  sov- 
ereign Loid,  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth, 
the  Father  of  thy  beloved  and  holy  Son, 
1  praise  thee  that  thou  hast  preserved  me 
from  the  fire,  to  see  Paul  again. 

9  Paul  then  arose,  and  when  he  saw 
her,  said,  OGod,  who  searchest  the  heart. 
Father  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  praise 
thee  that  thou  hast  answered  my  prayer. 

10  IT  And  there  prevailed  among  them 
in  the  cave  an  entire  affection  to  each 
other ;  Paul,  Onesiphorus,  and  all  that 
were  with  them  being  filled  with  joy. 

1 1  They  had  five  loaves,  some  herbs, 
and  water,  and  they  solaced  each  other  in 
reflections  upon  the  holy  works  of  Christ. 

12  Then  said  Thecla  to  Paul,  If  you 
be  pleased  with  it,  I  will  follow  you, 
whithersoever  you  go. 

62 


13  He  replied  to  her.  Persons  are  now 
much  given  to  fornication,  and  you  being 
handsome,  I  am  afraid  lest  you  should 
meet  with  greater  temptation  than  the  for- 
mer, and  should  not  withstand,  but  be 
overcome  by  it. 

14  Thecla  replied.  Grant  me  only  the 
seal  of  Christ,  and  no  temptation  shall 
affect  me. 

15  Paul  answered,  Thecla,  Wait  with 
patience,  and  you  shall  receive  the  gift  of 
Christ. 

CHAP.  VII. 

1  Paul  and  Thecla  go  to  Anlioch.  2  Alexander,  a 
magistrate,  falls  in  love  with  Thecla,  4  kisses  her 
by  force  :  5  she  resists  him  :  G  is  carried  before 
the  governor,  and  condemned  to  be  thrown  to  wild 
beasts. 

THEN  Paul  sent  back  Onesiphorus 
and  his  family  to  their  own  home, 
and  taking  Thecla  along  with  him,  went 
for  Antioch  ; 

2  And  as  soon  as  they  came  into  the 
city,  a  certain  Syrian,  named  Alexander, 
a  magistrate  in  the  city,  who  had  done 
many  considerable  services  for  the  city 
during  his  magistracy,  saw  Thecla,  and 
fell  in  love  with  her,  and  endeavoured 
by  many  rich  presents  to  engage  Paul  in 
his  interest. 

3  But  Paul  told  him,  1  know  not  the 
woman  of  whom  you  speak,  nor  does 
she  belong  to  me. 

4  But  he  being  a  per.son  of  great  power 
in  Antioch,  seized  her  in  the  street  and 
kissed  her ;  which  Thecla  would  not  bear, 
but  looking  about  for  Paul,  cried  out  in  a 
distres.sed  loud  tone,  Force  me  not,  who 
am  a  stranger ;  force  me  not,  who  am  a 
servant  of  God ;  1  am  one  of  the  princi- 
pal persons  of  Iconium,  and  was  obliged 
to  leave  that  city,  because  I  would  not  be 
married  to  Thamyris. 

5  Then  she  'aid  hold  on  Alexander, 
tore  his  coat,  anJ  took  his  crown  olT  his 
head,  and  made  him  appear  ridiculous 
before  all  the  people. 

6  But  Alexander,  partly  as  he  loved 
her,  and  partly  being  ashamed  of  what 
had  been  done,  led  her  to  the  governor, 
and  upon  her  confession  of  what  she  had 
done,"  he  commanded  her  to  be  thrown 
among  the  beasts. 


a  There  being  somewhat  wanting  here  in  the  old 
Greek  MS.  it  is  supplied  out  of  tbn  old  Latin  version, 
which  is  in  the  Bordelain  Library,  Cod.  Dig.  39. 
rather  than  out  of  Simeon  Metaphrastes,  a  writer  of 
the  eleventh  century. 


Thecla  thrown 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


to  wild  beasts 


CHAP.  VIII. 

2  Thecla  entertained  by  Tritina  ;  3  brought  out  to 
the  wild  beasts  ;  4  a  she  lion  licks  her  feet,  o 
Trifina  upon  a  vision  of  her  deceased  daughter, 
adopts  Thecla,  11  who  is  taken  to  the  ampliithe- 
atie  again. 

WHICH  when  the  people  saw,  they 
said  :  The  jiulgments  passed  in  this 
city  are  unjust  But  Thecla  desired  the 
favour  of  the  governor,  that  her  chastity 
might  not  be  attacked,  but  preserved  till 
she  should  be  cast  to  the  beasts. 

2  The  governor  then  inquired.  Who 
would  entertain  her ;  upon  which  a  cer- 
tain very  rich  widow,  named  Trifina, 
whose  daughter  was  lately  dead,  desired 
that  she  might'  have  the  keeping  of  her ; 
and  she  began  to  treat  her  in  the  house 
as  her  own  daughter. 

3  At  length  a  day  came,  when  the 
beasts  were  to  be  brought  forth  to  be  seen  ; 
and  Thecla  was  brought  to  the  amphithe- 
atre, and  put  into  a  den,  in  which  was  an 
exceeding  fierce  she-lion,  in  the  presence 
of  a  multitude  of  spectators. 

4  Trifina,  without  any  surprise,  ac- 
companied Thecla,  and  the  she-lion  licked 
the  feet  of  Thecla.  The  title  written 
which  denotes  her  crime,  was.  Sacrilege. 
Then  the  women  cried  out,  0  God,  the 
judgments  of  this  city  are  unrighteous. 

5  After  the  beasts  had  been  shown, 
Trifina  took  Thecla  home  with  her,  and 
they  went  to  bed  ;  and  behold,  the  dauo;h- 
ter  of  Trifina,  who  was  dead,  appeared 
to  her  mother,  and  said  ;  Mother,  let  the 
young  woman,  Thecla,  be  reputed  by  you 
as  your  daughter  in  my  stead  ;  and  desire 
her  that  she  would  pray  for  me,  that  I 
may  be  translated  to  a  state  of  happiness. 

6  Upon  which  Trifina,  with  a  mourn- 
ful air,  said.  My  daughter  Falconilla  has 
appeared  to  me,  and  ordered  me  to  receive 
you  in  her  room ;  wherefore  I  desire, 
Thecla,  that  you  would  pray  for  my 
daughter,  that  she  may  be  translated  into 
a  state  of  happiness,  and  to  life  eternal. 

7  When  Thecla  heard  this,  she  imme- 
diately prayed  to  the  Lord,  and  said :  0 
Lord  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  Jesus 
Christ,  thou  Son  of  the  Most  High,  grant 
that  her  daughter  Falconilla  may  live  for 
ever.  Trifina  hearing  this,  groaned  again, 
and  said  :  0  unrighteous  judgments  !  0 
unreasonable  wickedness !  that  such  a 
creature  should  (again)  be  cast  to  the 
beasts ! 

8  II  On  the  morrow,  at  break  of  day, 
Alexander  came  to  Trifina's  house,  and 


said :  The  governor  and  the  people  are 
waiting;  bring  the  criminal  forth. 

9  But  Trifina  ran  in  so  violently  upon 
him,  that  he  was  afhighted  and  ran  away. 
Trifina  was  one  of  the  royal  family;  and 
she  thus  expressed  her  sorrow,  and  said  : 
Alas  !  I  have  trouble  in  my  house  on  two 
accounts,  and  there  is  no  one  who  will 
relieve  me,  either  under  the  loss  of  my 
daughter,  or  my  being  unable  to  save 
Thecla.  But  now,  0  Lord  God,  be  hou 
the  helper  of  Thecla  thy  servant. 

10  While  she  was  thus  engaged,  the 
governor  sent  one  of  his  own  officers  to 
bring  Thecla.  Trifina  took  her  by  the 
hand,  and,  going  with  her,  said  :  I  went 
with  Falconilla  to  her  grave,  and  now 
must  go  with  Thecla  to  the  beasts. 

1 1  When  Thecla  heard  this,  she  weep- 
ing prayed,  and  said :  0  Lord  God,  whom 
I  have  made  my  confidence  and  refuge, 
reward  Trifina  for  her  compassion  to  me, 
and  preserving  my  chastity. 

12  Upon  this  there  was  a  great  noise 
in  the  amphitheatre  ;  the  beasts  roared, 
and  the  people  cried  out.  Bring  in  the 
criminal. 

1 3  But  the  women  cried  out,  and  .said : 
Let  the  whole  city  suffer  for  such  crimes ; 
and  order  all  of  us,  0  governor,  to  the 
same  punishment.  O  unjust  judgment  ! 
0  cruel  sight ! 

14  Others  said,  Let  the  whole  city  be 
destroyed  for  this  vile  action.    Kill  us  all, 

0  governor.     0  cruel  sight  I     0  unright- 
eous judgment ! 

CHAP.  IX. 

1  Thecla  thrown  naked  to  the  wild  beasts  ;  2  they 
all  refuse  to  attack  her :  8  throws  herself  into  a 
pit  of  water.  10  Other  wild  beasts  refuse  her. 
11  Tied  to  wild  bulls.  13  Miraculously  saved. 
21  Released.     24  Entertained  by  Tritina. 

THEN  Thecla  was  taken  out  of  the 
hand  of  Trifina,  stripped  naked,  had 
a  girdle  put  on,  and  thrown  into  the  place 
appointed  for  fighting  with  the  beasts:  and 
the  lionfe  and  the  bears  were  let  loose 
upon  her. 

2  But  a  she-lion,  which  was  of  all  the 
most  fierce,  ran  to  Thecla,  and  fell  down 
at  her  feet.  Upon  which  the  multitude 
of  women  shouted  aloud. 

3  Then  a  she-bear  ran  fiercely  towards 
her ;  but  the  she-lion  met  the  bear,  and 
tore  it  in  pieces. 

4  Again,  a  he-lion,  who  had  been  wont 
to  devour  men,  and  which  belonged  to 
Alexander,  ran  towards  her ;  but  the  she- 

63 


Thecla  is 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


miraculously  saved. 


lion  encountered  the  he-lion,  and  they 
killed  each  other. 

5  Then  the  women  were  under  a  greater 
concern,  because  the  she-lion,  which  had 
helped  I'hecia  was  dead. 

6  Afterwards  they  brought  out  many 
other  wild  beasts :  but  Thecla  stood  with 
her  hands  stretched  towards  heaven,  and 
prayed  ;  and  wlien  she  had  done  praying, 
(she  turned  about,  ai.d  saw  a  pit  of  water, 
and  said.  Now  it  is  a  proper  time  for  me 
to  be  baptized. 

7  Accordingly  she  threw  herself  into 
the  water,  and  said.  In  thy  name,  O  my 
Lord  Jesus,  I  am  this  last  day  baptized. 
'J'he  women  and  the  people  seeing  this, 
cried  out,  and  .said.  Do  not  throw  yourself 
into  the  water.  And  the  governor  him- 
self cried  out,  to  think  that  the  fii^h  (sea 
cahes)  were  like  to  devour  so  much 
beauty. 

8  IT  Notwithstanding  all  this,  Thecla 
threw  herself  into  the  water  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

9  But  the  tish  (sea  calves),  when  they 
saw  the  lightning  and  fire,  were  killed, 
and  swam  dead  upon  the  surface  of  the 
water,  and  a  cloud  of  tire  surrounded 
Thecla ;  so  that  as  the  beasts  could  not 
come  near  her,  so  the  people  could  not 
see  her  nakedness. 

10  Vet  they  turned  other  wild  beasts 
upon  her ;  upon  which  they  made  a  very 
mournful  outcry ;  and  some  of  them  .scat- 
tered spikenard,  others  cassia,  others 
amomus  (a  sort  of  spikenard,  or  the  herb 
of  Jerusalem,  or  ladies-rose)  others  oint- 
ment ;  so  that  the  quantit)'  of  ointment 
was  large,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
people;  and  upon  this  all  the  beasts  lay 
as  though  they  had  been  fast  asleep,  and 
did  not  touch  Thecla. 

1 1  Whereupon  Alexander  said  to  the 
governor,  I  have  some  very  terrible  bulls  ; 
let  us  hind  her  to  them.  To  which  the 
governor,  with  concern,  replied.  You  may 
do  what  you  think  fit. 

12  Then  they  put  a  coid  round  Thec- 
la's  waist,  which  bound  also  her  feet, 
and  with  it  tied  her  to  the  bulls,  to  whose 
privy- parts  they  applied  red-hot  irons, 
that  so  they  being  the  more  tormented, 
might  more  violently  drag  Thecla  about, 
till  they  had  killed  her. 

13  The  bulls  accordingly  tore  about, 
making  a  most  hideous  noise  ;  but  the 
flame  which  was  about  Thecla,  burnt  off 
the  cords  which  were  fastened  to  the 
members  of  the  bulls,  and  she  stood  in 

64 


the  middle  of  the  stage,  as  unconcerned 
as  if  she  had  not  been  bound. 

14  But  in  the  mean  time  Trifina,  who 
sat  upon  one  of  the  benches,  fainted  away 
and  died  ;  upon  which  the  whole  city 
was  under  a  very  great  concern. 

15  And  Alexander  him.self  was  afraid, 
and  desired  the  governor,  saying  :  1  in- 
treat  you,  take  compassion  on  me  and  the 
city,  and  release  this  woman,  who  has 
fought  with  the  beasts  ;  lest  both  you  and 
I,  and  tlie  whole  city  be  destroyed  : 

16  For  if  Cffisar  should  have  any  ac- 
count of  what  has  passed  now,  he  will 
certainly  immediately  destroy  the  city, 
because  Trifina,  a  person  of  royal  ex- 
tract, and  a  relation  of  his,  is  dead  upon 
her  seat. 

17  Upon  this  the  governor  called 
Thecla  from  among  the  beasts  to  him, 
and  .said  to  her,  Who  art  thou  .'  and 
what  are  thy  circumstances,  that  not  one 
of  the  beasts  will  t6uch  thee  ? 

18  Thecla  replied  to  him  ;  I  am  a  ser- 
vant of  the  living  God;  and  as  to  my 
state,  I  am  a  believer  on  Jesus  Christ  his 
Son,  in  whom  God  is  well  pleased  ;  and 
for  that  reason  none  of  the  beasts  could 
touch  me. 

19  He  alone  is  the  way  to  eternal  sal- 
vation, ajid  the  foundation  of  eternal  life. 
He  is  a  refuge  to  those  who  are  in  dis- 
tress ;  a  support  to  the  afflicted,  hope  and 
defence  to  those  who  are  hopeless  ;  and, 
in  a  word,  all  those  who  do  not  believe 
on  him,  shall  not  live,  but  suffer  eternal 
death. 

20  IT  When  the  governor  heard  these 
things,  he  ordered  her  clothes  to  be  brought 
and  .said  to  her,  Put  on  your  clothes. 

21  Thecla  leplied  :  May  that  God  who 
clothed  me  when  I  was  naked  among  the 
beasts,  in  the  day  of  judgment  clothe 
your  soul  with  the  robe  of  salvation  ! 
Then  she  took  her  clothes,  and  put  them 
on ;  and  the  governor  immediately  pub- 
lished an  order  in  these  words  :  I  release 
to  you  Thecla,  the  servant  of  God. 

22  Upon  which  the  women  all  cried 
out  together  with  a  loud  voice,  and  with 
one  accord  gave  praise  unto  God,  and 
said  :  There  is  but  one  God,  who  is  the 
God  of  Thecla  ;  the  one  God,  who  hath 
delivered  Thecla. 

23  So  loud  were  their  voices,  that  the 
whole  city  seemed  to  be  shaken  ;  and 
Trifina  herself  heard  the  glad  tidings,  and 
arose  again,  and  ran  with  the  multitude 
to  meet  Thecla ;  and  embracing  her,  said  : 


She  visits  her  mother 


I'AUL  AND  THECLA. 


who  rejects  her. 


Now  I  believe  there  shall  be  a  resurrec- 
tion of  the  dead  ;  now  I  am  persuaded 
that  my  daughter  is  alive.  Come  there- 
fore home  with  me,  my  daughter  Thecla, 
and  I  will  make  over  all  I  have  to  you. 

24  So  Thecla  went  with  Trihna,  and 
was  entertained  there  a  few  days,  teach- 
ing her  the  word  of  the  Lord,  whereby 
many  young  women  were  converted  ;  and 
there  was  great  joy  in  the  family  of  Tri- 
fina. 

25  But  Thecla  longed  to  see  Paul,  and 
inquired  and  sent  everywhere  to  find  him  ; 
and  when  at  length  she  was  informed 
that  he  was  at  Myra  in  Lycia,  she  took 
with  her  many  young  men  and  women  ; 
and  putting  on  a  girdle,  and  dressing  her- 
self in  the  habit  of  a  man,  she  went  to 
him  to  Myra  in  Lycia,  and  there  found 
Paul  preaching  the  word  of  God  ;  and 
she  stood  by  him  among  the  throng. 

CHAP.    X. 

I  Thtcla  visits  Paul,  6  visits  OnesipUorus,  8  visits 
iier  motlier,  9  who  repulses  her.  li  Is  tempted  by 
the  devil.     16  Works  miracles. 

BUT  it  was  no  small  surprise  to  Paul, 
when  he  saw  her  and  the  people 
with  her  :  for  he  imagined  some  fresh 
trial  was  coming  upon  them  ; 

2  Which  when  Thecla  perceived,  she 
said  to  him  :  I  have  been  baptized,  O 
Paul  ;  for  he  who  assists  you  in  preach- 
ing, has  assisted  me  to  baptize. 

.3  Then  Paul  took  her,  and  led  her  to 
the  house  of  Hermes  ;  and  Thecla  rela- 
ted to  Paul  all  that  had  befallen  her  in  An- 
tioch,  insomuch  that  Paul  exceedingly 
wondered  ;  and  all  who  heard  Avere  con- 
firmed in  the  faith,  and  prayed  for  Trifi- 
na's  happine^^s. 

4  Then  Thecla  arose,  and  said  to  Paul, 
I  arn  going  to  Tconium.  Paul  replied  to 
her  :  Go,  and  teach  the  word  of  the 
Lord. 

5  But  Trifina  had  sent  large  sums  of 
money  to  Paul,  and  also  clothing  by  the 
hands  of  Thecla,  for  the  relief  of  the 
poor. 

6  IT  So  Thecla  went  to  Tconium.  And 
when  she  came  to  the  house  of  Onesi- 
phorus,  she  fell  down  upon  the  floor 
where  Paul  had  sat  and  preached,  and, 
mixinjy  tears  with  her  prayers,  she  prais- 
ed and  glorified  God  in  the  following 
words  : 

7  0  Lord,  the  God  of  this  house,  in 
which  I  was  first  enlightened  by  thee  ; 
O  Jesus,  Son  of  the  living  God,    who 


wast  my  helper  before  the  governor,  my 
helper  in  the  fire,  and  my  helper  among 
the  beasts  ;  thou  alone  art  God  for  ever 
and  ever.  Amen. 

8  IT  Thecla  now  (on  her  return)  found 
Thamyris  dead,  but  her  mother  living. 
So  calling  her  mother,  she  said  to  her  : 
Theoclia,  my  mother,  is  it  possible  for 
you  to  be  brought  to  a  belief,  that  there 
is  but  one  Lord  God,  wtio  dwells  in  the 
heavens  .'  If  you  desire  great  riches, 
God  will  give  them  to  )'ou  by  me  ;  if 
you  want  your  daughter  again,  here  I  am. 

9  These  and  many  other  things  she 
represented  to  her  mother,  (endeavoring) 
to  persuade  her  (to  her  own  opinion.) 
But  her  mother  Theoclia  gave  no  credit  to 
the  things  which  were  said  by  the  martyr 
Thecla. 

10  So  that  Thecla  perceiving  she  dis- 
coursed to  no  purpose,  signing  her  whole 
body  with  the  sign  (of  the  cross,)  left  the 
house,  and  vrent  to  Daphne  ;  and  when 
she  came  there,  she  went  to  the  cave, 
where  she  had  found  Paul  with  Onesi- 
phorus,  and  fell  down  upon  the  ground, 
and  wept  before  God. 

11  When  she  departed  thence,  she 
went  to  Seieucia,  and  enlightened  many 
in  the  knowledge  of  Christ. 

12  If  And  a  bright  cloud  conducted 
her  in  the  journey. 

13  And  after  she  had  arrived  at  Seieu- 
cia, she  went  to  a  place  out  of  the  city, 
about  the  distance  of  a  furlong,  being 
afraid  of  the  inhabitants,  becau.se  they 
were  worshippers  of  idols. 

14  And  she  was  led  (by  the  cloud) 
into  a  mountain  called  Calamon,  or  Rode- 
on.  There  she  abode  many  years,  and 
underwent  a  great  many  grievous  tempta- 
tions of  the  devil,  which  she  bore  in  a  be- 
coming manner,  by  the  assistance  which 
she  had  from  Christ. 

J  5  At  length  certain  gentlewomen 
hearing  of  the  virgin  Thecla,  went  to 
her,  and  were  instructed  by  her  in  the 
oracles  of  God,  and  many  of  them  aban- 
doned this  world,  and  led  a  monastic  life 
with  her. 

1 6  Hereby  a  good  report  was  sprea  I 
every  where  of  Thecla,  and  she  wrought 
several  (miraculous)  cures,  so  that  all 
the  city  and  adjacent  countries  brought 
their  sick  to  that  mountain,  and  before 
they  came  as  far  as  the  door  of  the  cave, 
they  were  instantly  cured  of  whatsoever 
distemper  they  had. 

17  The  unclean  spirits  were  cast  out, 

65 


Thecla  taken 


PAUL  AND  THECLA. 


up  to  Heaven. 


making  a  noise  ;  all  received  their  sick 
made  whole,  and  glorified  God,  who  had 
bestowed  such  power  on  the  virgin 
Thecla  ; 

18  [nsomuch  that  the  physicians  of 
8eleucJa  were  now  of  no  more  account, 
and  lost  all  the  profit  of  their  trade,  be- 
cause no  one  regarded  them  ;  upon  which 
they  were  filled  with  envy,  and  began  to 
contrive  what  methods  to  take  with  this 
servant  of  Christ. 

CHAP.    XL 

1  Is  attempted  to  be  ravished,  12  escapes  by  a  '.•ock 
opening,  17  and  closing  miraculously. 

THE  devil  then  suggested  bad  advice 
to  their  minds ;  and  being  on  a  cer- 
tain day  met  together  to  consult,  they 
reasoned  among  each  other  thus  :  The 
virgin  is  a  priestess  of  the  great  goddess 
Diana,  and  whatsoever  she  requests  of 
her,  is  granted,  because  she  is  a  virgin, 
and  so  is  beloved  by  all  the  gods  : 

2  Now  then  let  us  procure  some  rakish 
fellows,  and  after  we  have  made  them 
sufficiently  drunk,  and  given  them  a  good 
sura  of  money,  let  us  oider  them  to  go 
and  debauch  this  virgin,  promising  them, 
if  they  do  it,  a  larger  reward. 

3  (For  they  thus  concluded  among 
themselves,  that  if  they  be  able  to  debauch 
her,  the  gods  will  no  more  regard  lier, 
nor  Diana  cure  the  sick  for  her.) 

4  They  proceeded  according  to  this  re- 
solution, and  the  fellows  went  to  the 
mountain,  and  as  fierce  as  lions,  to  the 
cave,  knocking  at  the  door. 

5  The  holy  martyr  Thecla,  relying 
upon  the  God  in  whom  she  believed, 
opened  the  door,  although  she  was  before 
apprized  of  their  design,  and  said  to  them. 
Young  men,  what  is  your  business  ? 

6  They  replied.  Is  there  any  one  with- 
in, whose  name  is  Thecla  .'  She  answer- 
ed. What  would  you  have  with  her  ? 
They  said,  We  have  a  mind  to  lie  with 
her. 

7  The  blessed  Thecla  answered  : 
Though  I  am  a  mean  old  woman,  I  am  the 
servant  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ;  and 
though  you  have  a  vile  design  against 
me,  ye  shall  not  be  able  to  accomplish  it. 
They  replied  :  It  is  impossible  but  we 
must  be  able  to  do  with  you  what  we 
have  a  mind. 

8  And  while  they  were  saying  this, 
they  laid  hold  on  her  by  main  force,  and 
would  have  ravished  her.  Then  she 
with  the  (greatest)  mildness  said  to  them ; 

66 


Young  men,  have  patience,  and  see  the 
glory  of  the  Lord. 

9  And  while  they  held  her,  she  looked 
up  to  heaven,  and  said  :  0  God  mo.st  re- 
verend, to  whom  none  can  be  likened  ; 
who  makest  thyself  glorious  over  tliine 
enemies  ;  who  didst  deliver  me  from  the 
fire,  and  didst  not  give  me  up  to  Tbamy- 
ris,  didst  not  give  me  up  to  Alexander  ; 
who  deliveredstme  from  the  wild  beasts; 
who  didst  preserve  me  in  the  deep  waters  ; 
who  hast  every  where  been  my  helpei', 
and  hast  glorified  thy  name  in  me 

10  Now  also  deliver  me  from  the 
hands  of  these  wicked  and  unreasonable 
men,  nor  suffer  them  to  debauch  my 
chastity,  which  I  have  hitherto  preserved 
for  thy  honor  ;  for  I  love  thee,  and  long 
for  thee,  and  worship  thee,  0  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost,  for  evermore.     Amen. 

11  Then  came  a  voice  from  heaven, 
saying.  Fear  not,  Thecla,  my  faithful  ser- 
vant, for  I  am  with  thee.  Look  and  see 
the  place  which  is  opened  for  thee  :  there 
thy  eternal  abode  shall  be  ;  there  thou 
shalt  receive  the  (beatific)  vision. 

12  The  blessed  Thecla  observing,  saw 
the  rock  opened,  to  as  large  a  degree  as 
that  a  man  might  enter  in  ;  she  did  as  she 
was  commanded,  bravely  fled  from  the 
vile  crew,  and  went  into  the  rock,  which 
instantly  so  closed,  that  there  was  not 
any  crack  visible  where  it  had  opened. 

13  The  men  stood  perfectly  astonished 
at  so  prodigious  a  miracle,  and  had  no 
power  to  detain  the  sei-vant  of  God  ;  but 
onl}^  catching  hold  of  her  veil,  (or  hood) 
they  tore  oft' a  piece  of  it  ; 

14  And  even  that  was  by  the  permis- 
sion of  God,  for  the  confirmation  of  their 
faith,  who  should  come  to  see  this  vener- 
able place,  and  to  convey  blessings  to 
those  in  succeeding  ages,  who  should  be- 
lieve on  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  a 
pure  heart. 

1 5  Thus  sufifered  that  first  martyr  and 
apostle  of  God,  and  virgin,  Thecla  ;  who 
came  from  Iconium  at  eighteen  years  of 
age  ;  afterwards,  partly  in  journeys  and 
travels,  and  partly  in  a  monastic  Ufe  in 
the  cave,  she  lived  seventy-two  years  ; 
so  that  she  was  ninety  years  old  when 
the  Lord  translated  her. 

16  Thus  ends  her  life. 

17  The  day  which  is  kept  sacred  to 
her  memory,  is  the  twenty-fourth  of  Sep- 
tember, to  the  glory  of  the  Father,  and 
the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and 
for  evermore.     Amen. 


fhe  Corinthians 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


commended  for  piety. 


The  FIRST  EPISTLE  of  CLEMEiNT  to  the  CORINTHIANS. 

fCIement  was  a  disciple  of  Peter,  and  afterwards  Bisliop  of  Rome.  Clemens  Alexnnilrinus  calls  him  an 
apostle,  Jerome  says  he  was  an  apostolical  man,  and  Rufinus  that  he  \v;is  almost  an  apostle.  Kuse- 
bius  calls  this  the  wonderful  Epistle  of  St.  Clement,  and  says  that  it  was  puhlicly  read  in  the  assem- 
blies of  the  nriniitive  church.  It  is  included  in  one  of  the  ancient  collections  of  the  Canon  of  Scrip- 
ture. Its  genuineness  has  been  much  questioned,  particularly  by  Photius,  patriarch  of  Constantinojile 
in  the  ninth  century,  who  objects,  that  Clement  speaks  of  worlds  beyond  the  ocean  ;  that  he  has  not 
written  worthily  of  the  divinity  of  Christ ;  and  that,  to  prove  the  possibility  of  a  future  resurrection,  he 
introduces  the  fabulous  story  of  the  phocni.\'s  revival  from  its  own  ashes.  To  the  latter  objection, 
Archbishop  Wake  replies,  that  the  generality  of  the  ancient  Fathers  have  made  use  of  the  same  in- 
stance in  proof  of  the  same  point ;  and  asks,  if  St.  Clement  really  believed  thtit  there  was  such  a  bird, 
and  that  it  did  revive  out  of  the  cinders  of  the  body  after  burning,  where  was  the  great  harm  either  in 
giving  credit  to  such  a  wonder,  or,  believing  it,  to  make  such  a  use  as  he  here  does  of  it  1  The  present 
is  the  Archbishop's  translation  from  the  ancient  (Jreek  copy  of  the  Epistle,  which  is  at  the  end  of  the 
celebrated  Alexandrine  MS.  of  the  Septuagint  and  New  Testament,  presented  by  Cyril,  patriarch  of 
Alexandria,  to  King  Charles  ihe  First,  now  in  the  British  iNIuseum.  The  Archbishop,  in  prefacing  his 
translation,  esteems  it  a  great  blessing  that  this  Epistle  "  was  at  last  so  happily  found  out  for  the  in- 
crense  and  confirmation  both  of  our  faith  and  charity."] 


CHAP.  I. 

He  commends   them   for  their  excellent  order  and 
piety  in  Christ,  before  their  schism  broke  out. 

r¥"^HE  Church  of  God  which  » is  at 
A  Rome,  to  the  Church  of  God  which 
»is  at  Corinth,  •>  elect,  sanctified,  •'■  hy  the 
will  of  God,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord  :  grace  and  peace  from  tlie  Almighty 
God.  by  Jesus  Christ,  be  multiplied  unto 
you.'' 

2  IT  Brethren,  the  '  sudden  and  unex- 
pected dangers  and  calamities  that  have 
fallen  upon  us,  have,  we  fear,  made  us 
the  more  slow  in  our  consideration  of 
those  things  which  you  inquired  of  us: 

3  ""As  also  of  that  wicked  and  detesta- 
ble sedition,  so  s  unbecoming  the  elect  of 
God,  which  a  few  heady  and  self-willed 
men  have  fomented  to  such  a  degree  of 
madness,  that  your  venerable  and  re- 
nowned name,  so  worthy  of  all  men  to 
be  beloved,  is  greatly  blasphemed  thereby. 

4  For  who  that  has  '"ever  been  among 
you  has  not  e.vperimented  the  firmness  of 
your  i'ailh,  'and  its  fruitfulness  in  all 
good  works  ;  and  admired  the  temper  and 
moderation  of  your  religion  in  Christ; 
and  published  abroad  the  magnificence  of 
your  hospitality  ;  and  thought  you  happy 
in  your  perfect  and  certain  knowledge  of 
the  Gospel  .' 

5  For  ye  did  all  things  without  respect 
of  person.s,  and  walked  ''  according  to  the 
laws  of  God  ;  being  subject  to  those  who 


■I  Sojourneth.  ^  Called.  See  Dr.  Hammond  on 
Matt.  XX.  c.  c  Gr.  in.  J  See  Bishop  Pearson's  Note 
on  this  place.  Ed.  Colomesii,  p.  2.  ^  Ibid.  fAnd. 
iGr.  Strange  to.  h  Gr.  Lodged  as  a  stranger. 
•  Adorned  v/ith  all  manner  of  virtues.    i>  In. 


had  the  rule  over  you,  and  giving  the 
honor  that  was  fitting  to  such  as  were  the 
'  aged  among  you. 

6  Ye  commanded  the  young  men  to 
think  those  things  that  were  modest  and 
grave. 

7  The  women  ye  exhorted  to  do  all 
things  with  an  unblamable,  and  seemly, 
and  pure  conscience;  loving  their  own 
husbands,  as  was  fitting  :  and  that  keep- 
ing themselves  within  llie  '"bounds  of  a 
due  obedience,  they  should  "  order  their 
houses  gravely  with  all  "discretion. 

8  p  Ye  were  all  of  you  humble  minded, 
not  n boasting  of  anything:  de.-irlng  rather 
to  be  subject  than  to  goA^ern ;  to  "  give 
than  to  receive  ;  being  *  content  with  the 
portion  God  had  dispensed  to  you  : 

9  And  hearkening  diligently  to  his 
word,  ye  'were  enlarged  in  your  bowels, 
having  his  "sufferings  always  before  your 
eyes. 

10  Thus  a  firm,  and  '  blessed,  and  pro- 
fitable peace  was  given  unto  you  ;  and 
an  unsatiable  desire  of  doing  good ;  and  a 
plentiful  effusion  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was 
upon  all  of  you. 

1 1  And  being  full  of  *  good  designs, 
ye  did  with  "  great  readiness  of  miml,  and 
with  a  religious  confidence,  stretch  forth 
your  hands  to  God  Almighty  ;  beseeching 
him  to  be  merciful  unto  you,  if  in  any- 


!  Presbyters,  tn  Canon,  rule,  n  Themselves  do 
their  own  business.  Vid.  Not.  Junii  in  loc  "  Tem- 
jjerance,  sobriety,  p  1  Pet.  v.  .5.  q  Proud,  r  Acts,  xx,  3S 
s  1  Tim.  vi.  8.  <  Embraced  it  in  youi  very  bowels. 
"  TlaOiiixaTa.  See  Dr.  Grabe's  Addit.  to  Bishop 
Bull's  Def.  Fid.  Nic.  p.  CO,  (il.  v  Gr.  ^frrafta. 
"  Holy  counsel,  or  purpose,  or  will.    *  Gr.  good, 

67 


Envy  and  emulation 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


the  origin  of  strife. 


thing  ye  had  unwillingly  sinned  against 
him. 

1 2  Ye  contended  day  and  night  for  the 
whole  brotherhood  ;  that  y  with  compas- 
sion, and  a  good  conscience,  the  number 
of  his  elect  might  be  saved. 

13  Ye  were  sincere,  and  without  of- 
fence toward  each  other  ;  not  mindful  of 
injuries :  all  sedition  and  schism  was  an 
abomination  unto  you. 

14  Ye  bewailed  every  one  his  neigh- 
bour's sins,  esteeming  their  defects  your 
own. 

15  Ye  '•  were  kind  one  to  another  with- 
out grudging  ;  being  ready  to  everj'^  good 
work.  And  being  adorned  with  a  con- 
versation altogether  virtuous  and  reli- 
gious, ye  did  all  things  in  the  fear  of  God; 
wliose  "commandments  were  written  up- 
on the  tables  of  your  heart. 

CHAP.  II. 

How  tlieir  divisions  began. 

ALL  honour  and  enlargement  was 
given  unto  you  ;  and  so  was  fulfilled 
that  which  is  written,  ''  My  beloved  did 
eat  and  drink,  he  was  enlarged  and  waxed 
fat,  and  he  kicked. 

2  From  hence  came  emulation,  and 
envy,  and  strife,  and  sedition  ;  persecu- 
tion and  <^  disorder,  war  and  captivity. 

3  So  they  who  were  of  no  renown, 
lifted  up  themselves  against  the  honoura- 
ble :  those  of  no  reputation,  against  those 
that  were  in  respect ;  the  foolish  against 
the  wise ;    the   young   men   against  the 


4  Therefore  righteousness  and  peace 
are  departed  from  you, because  everyone 
hath  forsaken  the  fear  of  God  ;  and  is 
grown  blind  in  his  faith  ;  nor  walketh  by 
the  rule  of  God's  commandments,  nor  liv- 
eth  as  is  fitting  in  Christ : 

5  But  every  one  ''follows  his  own 
wicked  lusts  ;  having  taken  up  an  unjust 
and  wicked  envy,  by  which  death  first  en- 
tered into  the  world. 

CHAP.  III. 

Envy  and  emulation  the  original  of  nil  strife  and 
disorder.  Examples  of  the  mischiefs  they  have 
occasioned. 

FOR  thus  it  is  written,  "  And  in  pro- 
cess of  time  it  came  to  pass,  that  Cain 
brought  of  the  fruit  oi  the  ground  an  of- 

y  With  mercy  and  conscience,  z  Ye  were  with- 
out repentance  in  all  well-doing.  Titus,  iii.  1. 
»  Prov.  vii.  3.  k  Deut.  xxxii.  1.5.  c  Confusion,  tu- 
molts,  &c.    d  Vv'alketli  after,    e  Gen.  iv.  3,  &c. 

68 


fering  unto  the  Lord.  And  Abel,  he  also 
brought  of  the  firstlings  of  his  flock,  and 
of  the  fat  thereof : 

2  And  the  Lord  had  respect  unto  Abel, 
and  to  his  ofTering.  But  unto  Cain  and 
unto  his  ofTering  he  had  not  respect.  And 
Cain  was  very  sorrowful,  and  his  coun- 
tenance fell. 

3  And  the  Lord  said  mi  to  Cain,  Why 
art  thou  sorrowful?  And  why  is  thy 
countenance  fallen  .'  '^If  thou  shalt  ofler 
aright,  but  not  divide  aright,  hast  thou 
not  sinned  .''  Hold  thy  peace :  unto  thee 
shall  be  his  g desire,  and  thou  shalt  rule 
over  him. 

4  And  Cain  said  unto  Abel  his  brother, 
let  us  go  down  into  the  field.  And  it 
came  to  pass  as  they  were  in  the  field, 
that  Cain  rose  up  against  Abel  his  brother, 
and  slew  him. 

5  Ye  see,  brethren,  how  envy  and  emu- 
lation wrought  ''  the  dcatli  of  a  brother. 
For  '  this  our  father  ^  Jacob  fled  from  tlie 
face  of  his  brother  Esau. 

6  It  was  this  that  caused  'Joseph  to  be 
persecuted  even  unto  death,  and  to  come 
into  bondage.  Envy  forced  "'  Moses  to 
flee  from  the  face  of  Pharaoh,  king  of 
Egypt,  when  he  heard  his  own  country- 
man ask  him,  "Who  made  thee  a  judge 
and  a  ruler  over  us.'  Wilt  thou  kill  me 
as  thou  didst  the  Egyptian  yesterday  ? 

7  Through  envy  Aaron  and  Miriam 
were  °  .shut  out  of  the  camp,  from  the  rest 
of  the  congregation,  seven  days. 

8  Emulation  Psent  Dathan  and  Abiram 
quick  into  i  the  grave,  because  they  raised 
up  a  sedition  against  Moses,  the  servant 
of  God. 

9  For  this  David  ■■  was  not  only  hated 
of  strangers,  but  was  persecuted  even  by 
Saul  the  king  of  Israel. 

10  But  =not  to  insist  upon  ancient  ex- 
amples, let  us  come  to  those  '  worthies 
that  have  been  nearest  to  us  ;  and  take 
the  brave  examples  of  our  own  age. 

1 1  Through  zeal  and  envy,  "  the  most 
faithful  and  righteous  pillars  of  the  church 
have  been  persecuted  even  to  the  most 
grievous  deaths. 

1 2  Let  us  set  before  our  eyes  the  "  Holy 
Apostles:  Peter  by  unjust  envy  under- 
went not  one  or  two,  but  many  >"  suffer- 

fThis  is  according  to  the  i.x.x.  e  ' Arroarpocbii 
conversion,  h  Fratricide,  i  Envy,  k  Gen.  xxviii. 
1  Gen.  xxxvii.  m  Exod.  ii.  15.  n  Exod.  ii.  14.  oMade 
to  lodge  out.  Num.  xii.  14,  15.  p  Brought,  q  Hades, 
r  Had,  or  underwent  the  hatred,  not  only,  &c.  s  To 
cease  from,  t  Combatants,  wrestlers,  u  The  faithful 
and  most  righteous,    v  Good,    w  Labours. 


Exhorts  them  to  live 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


higs;  "  till  at  last  being  martyred,  he  went 
to  the  place  of  glory  that  was  due  unto 
him. 

13  yFor  the  same  cause,  did  Paul  in 
like  manner  receive  the  reward  of  his  pa- 
tience. Seven  times  ^  he  was  in  bonds  ; 
he  was  whipped,  was  stoned  ;  he  preach- 
ed both  in  the  East  and  in  the  West ; 
*  leaving  behind  him  the  glorious  report 
of  his  faith : 

14  And  so  having  taught  the  whole 
world  righteousness,  and  for  that  end  tra- 
velled even  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  the 
West ;  he  at  last  suffered  martyrdom  ''  by 
the  command  of  the  governors, 

15  And  departed  out  of  the  world,  and 
went  unto  his  holy  place  ;  being  become 
a  most  eminent  pattern  of  patience  unto 
all  ages. 

16  To  these  "^  Holy  Apostles  were 
joined  a  very  great  number  of  others,  who 
having  through  envy  undergone  in  like 
manner  many  pains  and  torments,  have 
■ileft  a  glorious  example  to  us. 

17  For  'this  not  only  men,  but  wo- 
men, have  been  persecuted  :  •"  and  having 
suffered  very  grievous  and  e  cruel  punish- 
ishment,  have  finished  the  course  of  their 
faith  with  firmness  ;  and  though  weak  in 
body,  yet  received  a  glorious  reward. 

18  ''This  has  alienated  the  minds  even 
of  women  from  their  husbands;  and 
changed  what  was  once  said  by  our  fa- 
ther Adam  ;  '  this  is  now  bone  of  my 
bone,  and  flesh  of  my  flesh. 

19  In  a  word,  envy  and  strife,  have 
overturned  ''  whole  cities,  and  rooted  out 
great  nations  from  off  the  earth. 

CHAP.  IV. 

He  exhorts  tliem  to  live  by  the  rules,  and  repent  of 
their  divisions,  and  they  shall  be  forgiven. 

THESE   things,  beloved,   we  'write 
unto  you,  not  only  ™  for  your  instruc- 
tion, but  also  for  our  own  remembrance. 

2  For  we  are  all  in  the  same  "  lists,  and 
the  same  combat  is  °  prepared  for  us  all. 

3  Wherefore  let  us  lay  aside  all  vain 
and  empty  cares ;  and  let  us  come  up  to 
the  glorious  and  venerable  rule  of  our 
holy  calling. 


X  And  50.  y  By  envy,  z  Having  home  seven 
times  bonds,  &c.  a  He  received  the,  &c.  b  Vide 
Pearson  de  Success,  c  viii  §  9.  «  Men  who  have 
lived  godly,  is  gathered  together.  <i  Become  an  e.x 
celient  example  among  ns.  e  Envy,  f  The  names 
of  Danae  and  Dirce  t  omit.— See  Junius  Annot.  in 
loc.  S  Cursed  afflictions  or  tormenis.  h  Envy  or 
emulation,  i  Gen.  ii.  23.  k  Great.  1  Send,  m  In- 
structing you,  but  also  remembering,  &c.  "  Place  of 
encounter,    o  Imposed  upon  us  all. 


orderly  and  repent. 

4  p  Let  us  consider  what  is  good,  and 
acceptable,  and  well-pleasing  in  the  sight 
of  him  that  made  us. 

5  Let  us  look  stedfastly  to  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  see  how  precious  his  blood  is 
in  the  sight  of  God  :  which  being  shed  for 
our  salvation,  *)  has  obtained  the  grace  of 
repentance  for  all  the  world. 

6  Let  us  "  search  into  all  tne  ages  that 
have  gone  before  us  ;  and  let  us  learn  that 
our  Lord  has  Mn  every  one  of  them  still 
given  j)lace  for  repentance  to  ail  such  as 
would  '  turn  to  him. 

7  "  Noah  preached  repentance  ;  and  as 
many  as  hearkened  to  him  were  saved. 
"■■  Jonah  denounced  destruction  against  the 
Ninevites : 

8  Howbeit  they  repenting  of  their  sins, 
appeased  God  by  their  prayers ;  and 
"'were  saved,  though  they  were  strangers 
to  the  covenant  of  God. 

9  IT  Hence  we  find  how  all  the  minis- 
ters of  the  grace  of  God  have  spoken  by 
the  Holy  Spirit  of  repentance.  And  even 
the  Lord  of  all,  has  him.self  ''declared  with 
an  oath  concerning  it ; 

10  >■  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  I  desire 
not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  ^  but  that  he 
should  repent.  Adding  farther  this  good 
sentence,  saying:  *Tuni  from  your  ini- 
quity, 0  house  of  Israel. 

11  "^  Say  unto  the  children  of  my  peo- 
ple, though  your  sins  should  reach  from 
earth  to  heaven;  and  though  they  should 
be  redder  than  scarlet,  and  blacker  than 
sackcloth  :  yet  if  ye  shall  turn  to  me  with 
all  your  heart,  and  shall  call  me  Father, 
I  will  hearken  to  you,  as  to  a  holy  people. 

12  And  in  another  place  he  saith  on 
this  wise  :  <"  Wash  ye,  make  you  clean  : 
put  away  ^  the  evil  of  your  doings  from 
before  mine  eyes ;  cease  to  do  evil,  learn 
to  do  well ;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the  op- 
pressed, judge  the  fatherless,  plead  for  the 
widow. 

13  Come  now  and  let  us  reason  to- 
gether, saith  the  Lord  :  though  your  sins 
be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as 
snow  ;  though  they  be  red  as  crimson, 
'•they  .shall  be  as  wool. 

14  [f  ye  be  willing  and  obedient  ye 
shall  eat  the  good  of  the  land :  but,  if  ye 
refuse  and  rebel,  ye   shall  be  devoured 

pi  Tim.  V.  4.  q  Afforded  or  given  to.  ""Look 
diligently  to.  s  From  age  to  age.  t  Be  turned.  u3 
Peter,  ii  .1.  Gen.  vii  v  ,Ion.  iii.  "'  Received  sal- 
vation. X  Spoken,  y  Ezek  xxxiii,  11.  zSomueh 
as  his  repentance,  a  Repent  from.  Ezek.  xviii.  30, 
3iJ.  b  Isiiah,  i.  Jer.  iii.  4  19.  c  Isaiah,  i.  Ifi.  dEvil 
from  your  souU,    e  I  will  make  them  while  as  wool, 

69 


Sets  before  them 


I.  CORINTfflANS. 


exampks  of  holy  mefi. 


■with  the  sword ;   for  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

15  These  things  has  God  established 
hy  his  Almighty  will,  desiring  that  all  his 
beloved  should  come  to  repentance. 

CHAP.  Y. 

He  sets  before  tliein  the  examjiles  of  lioly  men,  whose 
piety  is  recorded  in  tlie  Scriptures. 

WHEREFORE  let  us  obey  his  ex- 
cellent and  glorious  will ;  and  fim- 
ploring  his  mercy  and  goodness,  let  us 
fall  down  upon  our  faces  before  him,  and 
t'  cast  ourselves  upon  his  mercy  ;  laying 
aside  all  "'  vanits",  and  contention,  and 
envy,  which  leads  unto  death. 

2  Let  us  look  up  to  those  who  have 
the  most  perfectly  ministered  to  his  excel- 
lent glory.  Let  us  take  Enoch  for  our 
example ;  who  being  foimd  righteous  in 
obedience,  was  '  translated,  and  his  death 
was  not  '^  known. 

3  Noah  '  being  proved  to  be  faithful, 
did  by  his  ministry  preach  ™  regeneration 
to  the  world ;  and  the  Lord  saved  by  him 
all  the  living  creatures,  that  went "  with 
one  accord  together  into  the  ark. 

4  "Abraham,  who  was  called  Gmi'.- 
friend,  was  in  like  manner  found  faith- 
ful ;  inasmuch  as  he  obeyed  the  p  com- 
mands of  God. 

5  By  obedience  i  he  went  out  of  his 
own  country,  and  from  his  own  kindred, 
and  from  his  father's  house  ;  that  so  for- 
saking a  small  country,  and  a  weak  af- 
finity, and  a  little  house,  he  might  inherit 
the  promises  of  God. 

6  For  thus  God  said  unto  him:  ■'get 
thee  out  of  thy  country*  and  from  thy 
kindred,  and  from  thy  father's  house,  un- 
to a  land  that  I  will  show  thee. 

7  And  I  will  m.ake  thee  a  great  nation, 
and  Lwili  bless  thee,  and  make  thy  name 
great,  and  thou  shall  be  blessed.  And  I 
will  bless  them  that  bless  thee,  and  curse 
them  that  curse  thee ;  and  in  thee  shall  all 
families  of  the  earth  be  blessed. 

8  And  again  when  he  separated  him- 
self from  Lot,  Goil  said  unto  him  :  ^Lift 
up  now  thine  eyes,  and  look  from  the 
place  where  thou  art,  northward  and 
southward,  and  eastward  and  *  westward ; 


f  Becoming  suppliants  of.  &c.  g  Turn  ourselves 
to  his  mercy,  h  Vain  labour.  iGen.  v.  24.  k  Found. 
IBein"  found.  m  Gen.  vi.  vii.  viii.  "In  unity 
o  James  ii  2.1.  Isaiah,  xli.  H.  P  Words.  qThis 
man.  r  Gen.  xii.  1.  '  Gen.  .\iii.l4.  t  Towards  the 
tea. 

70 


for  all  the  land  which  thou  seest,  to  thee 
will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  forever. 

9  And  I  will  make  thy  seed  as  the 
dust  of  the  earth,  so  that  if  a  man  can 
number  the  d)i.st  of  the  earth,  then  shall 
thy  seed  also  be  numbered. 

10  And  again  he  saith  :  and  "God 
brought  forth  Abraham,  and  said  unto 
him;  look  now  toward  heaven,  and  tell 
the  stars,  if  thou  be  able  to  number  them: 
so  shall  thy  .seed  be. 

1 1  And  Abraham  believed  God,  and  it 
was  counted  to  him  for  righteousness. 

12  Through  faith  and  hospitality,  "  he 
had  a  son  given  him  in  his  old  age  ;  and 
through  obedience  he  offered  him  up  in 
sacrifice  to  God,  \ipon  one  of  the  moun- 
tains which  God  showed  unto  him. 

CHAP.  VL 

And  particularly  such  os  have  been  eminent  for  their 
kindness  iind  charity  to  their  neighbors. 

BY  "■  hospitality  and  godliness  was  Lot 
saved  out  of  Sodom,  when  all  the 
country  round  about  was  "  destro)'t'd  by 
fire  and  brimstone : 

2  The  Lord  thereby  making  it  mani- 
fest, that  he  will  not  forsake  those  that 
trust  in  him  ;  but  ^  will  bring  the  disobe- 
dient to  punishment  and  correction. 

3  For  his  wife  who  went  out  with  him, 
being  of  a  different  mind,  ^  and  not  con- 
tinuing in  the  same  obedience,  was  for 
that  reason  ^  set  forth  for  an  example, 
being  turned  into  a  pillar  of  salt  unto  this 
day. 

4  That  so  all  men  may  know,  that 
those  who  are  double  minded,  and  dis- 
trustful of  the  power  of  God,  are  ^  pre- 
pared for  condemnation,  and  to  be  a  sign 
to  all  succeeding  ages. 

5  "^  By  faith  and  hospitality  was  Ra- 
hab  the  harlot  saved.  For  when  the 
spies  were  sent  by  Joshua  the  son  of 
Nun,  to  search  out  Jericho,  and  the  king 
of  Jericho  knew  that  they  were  come  to 
spy  out  his  country ;  he  ''  sent  men  to 
take  them,  so  that  they  might  be  put  to 
death. 

6  « Rahab  therefore,  being  hospitable, 
received  them,  and  hid  them  under  the 
stalks  of  flax,  on  the  top  of  her  house. 


u  Gen.  XV.  5.  ^  A  son  was  given  unto  him. 
w  Gen.  xix.  2  Teter,  ii.  ti.  .lude,  7.  ^  See  Not. 
Jnnii  in  loc  ,  or  punished  uilh.  y  But  those  that 
turn  another  way,  he  puts,  &c.  z  Not  in  concord, 
a  Put  for  a  sign  b  Become,  c  Jos.  ii.  1.  &i^  i  Ue 
sent  men  that  should  take  them,  that  being  takefi, 
&c.    e  Therefore  ■,„  pitable  Rahab. 


Exhorts  to  kindness 


1.  CORINTHIANS. 


and  charity. 


7  And  when  the  '"messengers  that  were 
sent  by  the  king  came  unto  her,  and  ask- 
ed her,  saying :  s  There  came  men  unto 
thee  to  spy  out  the  land  ;  bring  them 
forth,  for  so  the  king  hath  commanded : 
She  answered,  •>  The  two  men  whom  ye 
seek  came  unto  me,  but  presently  they 
departed,  and  are  gone  :  '  Not  discovering 
them  unto  them. 

8  Then  she  said  to  the  ^  spies,  >  I  know 
that  the  Lord  your  God  "  has  given  this 
city  into  your  hands  ;  for  the  fear  of  you 
is  fallen  upon  all  that  dwell  therein. 
When,  therefore,  ye  shall  have  taken  it, 
"  ye  shall  save  me  and  my  father's  house. 

9  And  they  answered  her,  saying.  It 
shall  be  as  thou  hast  spoken  unto  us. 
o  Therefore,  when  thou  shalt  know  that 
we  are  near,  thou  shalt  gather  all  thy 
family  together  upon  the  house-top,  and 
they  shall  be  saved  ;  but  all  that  shall  be 
found  without  thy  house  shall  be  de- 
stroyed. 

10  pAnd  they  gave  her  moreover  a 
sign ;  that  she  should  hang  out  of  her 
hou.se  a  scarlet  rope  :  i  showing  thereby, 
that  by  the  blood  of  our  Lord  there  should 
be  redemption  to  all  that  believe  and  hope 
in  God.  Ye  .see,  beloved,  how  there  was 
not  only  faith,  but  prophesy  too,  in  this 
woman. 

CHAP.  VII. 

What  rules  are  given  for  this  purpose. 

LET  US,  therefore,  humble  ourselves, 
brethren,  laying  aside  all  pride,  and 
boasting,  and  foolishness,  and  anger: 
And  let  us  do  as  it  is  written. 

2  For  thus  saith  the  Holy  Spirit ;  -  Let 
not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom, 
nor  the  strong  man  m  his  strength,  nor  the 
rich  man  in  his  riches  ;  but  let  him  that 
glorieth,  glory  in  the  Lord,  to  seek  him, 
and  to  do  judgment  and  justice. 

3  Above  all,  remembering  the  words 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  which  he  spake  *  con- 
cerning equity  and  long-sufiering,  *.saying, 

4  "Be  ye  merciful,  and  yet  shall  obtain 
mercy ;  forgive,  and  ye  shall  be  forgiven  ; 
as  ye  do,  so  shall  it  be  done  unto  you ; 
as  ye  judge,  so  shall  ye  be  judged ;  as  ye 
are  kind  to  others,  so  shall  God  be  kind 


f  Men  being  sent  by  the  king,  and  saying.  K  Jos. 
ii.  3.  h  Ibid.  4,  5.  '  Vid.  Onjectur.  Coteler.  in  loc. 
k  Men.  1  Jos.  ii.  9.  m  Given  you  this  city.  njos. 
ii.  13.  0  Ibid.  18,  19.  p  Ibid.  18.  q  Many  of  tlie 
Fathers  have  applied  this  to  the  same  purpose./— See 
not.  Coteler.  in  loc.  r  Jer.  ix.  23.  Comp.  2  Cor.  xi. 
30.  »  Teaching  us.  *  For  thus  he  jaith.  «  Luke, 
yi.  36. 


to  you;  with  what  measure  ye  mete, 
with  the  same  shall  it  be  measured  to  you 
again. 

5  By  this  command,  and  by  these  rules, 
let  us  establish  ourselves,  that  so  we 
may  always  walk  obediently  to  his  holy 
words  ;  being  humble  minded  : 

6  For  so  says  ^Ihe  Holy  Scripture ; 
'"upon  whom  shall  I  look,  even  upon  him 
that  is  poor  and  of  contrite  spirit,  and  that 
trembles  at  my  word. 

7  IT  It  is,  therefore,  just  and  "righteous, 
men  and  brethren,  that  we  should  become 
obedient  unto  God,  rather  than  follow 
such  as  ^through  pride  and  sedition,  have 
made  them.selves  the  ring-leaders  of  a  de- 
testable emulation.   ■ 

8  For  it  is  not  an  ordinary  harm  that 
we  shall  do  ourselves,  but  rather  a  very 
great  danger  that  we  shall  run,  if  we 
shall  rashly  give  up  ourselves  to  the  wills 
of  men,  who  ^promote  .strife  and  seditions, 
to  turn  aside  from  that  which  is  lilting. 

9  But  let  us  be  kind  to  one  another, 
according  to  the  compassion  and  sweet- 
ness of  him  that  made  us. 

10  For  it  is  written,  »The  merciful 
shall  inherit  the  earth  ;  and  they  that  are 
without  evil  shall  be  left  upon  it :  ''but 
the  transgressors  shall  perish  from  otf  the 
face  of  it. 

11  And  again  he  saith,  ■=!  have  seen 
the  wicked  in  great  power,  and  spreading 
himself  like  the  cedars  of  Libanus.  I 
passed  by,  and  lo  he  was  not ;  I  sought 
his  place,  but  it  could  not  be  found. 

12  Keep  innocency,  and  do  the  thing 
that  is  right,  for  there  shall  be  a  remnant 
to  the  peaceable  man. 

13  Let  us,  therefore,  hold  fast  to  those 
who  '^religiously  follow  peace  ;  and  not 
to  such  as  ''only  pretend  to  desire  it. 

14  For  he  saith  in  a  certain  place, 
^This  people  honoreth  me  with  their  lips, 
but  their  heart  is  far  from  me. 

15  And  again.  They  ebless  with  their 
mouth,  ''but  curse  in  their  heart. 

16  And  again  he  .saith,  'They  loved 
him  with  their  mouth,  and  with  their 
tongue  they  lied  to  him.  For  their  heart 
was  not  right  with  him,  neither  were 
they  faithful  in  his  covenant. 

17  ''Let  all  deceitful  lips  become  dumb, 
and  the  tongue  that  speaketh  proud  things. 

V  Holy  Word,  w  Isaiah,  Ixvi.  2.  ^  Holy.  7  In. 
z  Prick  on  to. — See  Junius  Ann.  »  Psalm  xxxvii. 
9.  b  Prov.  ii.  22.  c  Psalm,  xxxvii.  36.  d  With  re- 
ligion or  godliness,  e  With  hypocrisy  will  it.  f  Isai- 
ah, xxix.  13.  Psalm  Lxii.  4.  g  Blessed,  h  Curs?a. 
i  Psalm  Ixxviii.  36,  37;    'i^  Psalm  xii.  3. 

71 


pious  examples 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


of  lioly  men. 


Who  have  said,  'with  our  tongue  will 
we  prevail ;  our  lips  are  our  own,  who  is 
Lord  over  us  ? 

1 8  For  the  oppression  of  the  poor,  for 
the  sighing  of  the  needy,  now  will  I  arise 
saith  the  Lord  ;  I  will  set  him  in  safety, 
I  will  deal  confidently  with  him. 

CHAP.  VII. 

He  advises  tliem  to  be  humble ;  and  that  from  the 
examples  of  Jesus  and  of  holy  men  in  all  ages. 

FOR  Christ  is  theirs  who  are  humble, 
and  not  who  exalt  themselves  over 
his  flock.  The  sceptre  of  the  majesty  of 
God,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  came  not  in 
the  "shew  of  pride  and  arrogance,  "though 
he  could  have  done  so  ;  but  with  humility 
as  the  Holy  Ghost  had  before  spoken 
concerning  him. 

2  For  thus  he  saith,  Lord,  "who  hath 
believed  our  report,  and  to  whom  is  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?  For  he  shall 
grow  up  before  him  as  a  tender  plant, 
and  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  ground. 

3  He  hath  no  form  nor  comeliness, 
and  when  we  shall  see  him,  there  is  no 
beauty  that  we  should  desire  him. 

4  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ; 
a  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with 
grief. 

5  And  we  hid,  as  it  were,  our  faces 
from  him  ;  he  was  despised,  and-  we  es- 
teemed him  not. 

6  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and 
carried  our  sorrows ;  yet  we  did  esteem 
him  stricken,  smitten  of  God,  and  afflicted. 

7  But  he  was  wounded  for  our  trans- 
gressions ;  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniqui- 
ties ;  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was 
upon  him  ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are 
healed. 

8  All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray; 
we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way,  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the 
iniquity  of  us  all. 

9  He  was  oppressed,  and  he  was  af- 
flicted, yet  he  opened  not  his  mouth  :  he 
is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter ; 
and  as  a  sheep  before  her  shearers  is 
dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his  mouth. 

10  He  was  taken  from  prison,  and 
from  judgment;  and  who  shall  declare 
his  generation  ?  For  he  was  cut  off  out 
of  the  land  of  the  living  ;  for  the  trans- 
gression of  my  people  was  he  stricken. 

We  will  magnify  our  tongue.  m  Boasting. 
°  KaiTfp  ivvajiCvoM,  though  he  were  powerful. 
0  Isaiah,  liii.  according  to  the  Hebrew. 


1 1  And  he  made  his  grave  with  the 
wicked,  and  with  the  rich  in  his  death  ; 
because  he  had  done  no  violence,  neither 
was  any  deceit  in  his  mouth. 

12  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise 
him,  he  hath  put  him  to  grief :  when 
thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  ofTering  for 
sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  pro- 
long his  days  ;  and  the  pleasure  of  the 
Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand. 

13  He  shall  see  of  the  travail  of  his 
soul  and  shall  be  satisfied  ;  by  his  know- 
ledge shall  my  righteous  ser\ant  justify 
many  :  for  he  shall  bear  their  iniquities. 

14  Therefore  will  I  divide  him  a  por- 
tion with  the  great,  and  he  shall  divide 
the  spoil  with  the  strong ;  because  he 
hath  poured  out  his  soul  unto  death  :  and 
he  was  numbered  with  the  transgressors, 
and  he  bate  the  sin  of  many,  and  made 
intercession  for  the  transgre.ssors. 

15  And  again  he  himself  .saith,  v]  am 
a  worm  and  no  man,  a  reproach  of  men, 
and  despised  of  the  people.  All  they 
that  see  me  laugh  me  to  scorn ;  they 
shoot  out  their  lips,  they  shake  their 
head,  saying;  He  tiusted  in  the  Lord  that 
he  would  deliver  him  seeing  he  delighted 
in  him. 

16  Ye  see,  beloved,  what  the  pattern 
is  that  has  been  given  to  us.  For  if  the 
Lord  thus  humbled  himself,  what  should 
we  do  who  aie  brought  'iby  him  under 
the  yoke  of  his  grace  ?  V^ 

17  Let  us  be  followers  of  those  who 
went  about  in  goat-skins  and  sheep-skins; 
preaching  the  conring  of  Christ. 

18  ^Such  were  Elias,  and  Eli.sae.us, 
and  Ezekiel,  the  prophets.  =And  let  us 
add  to  these  .such  others  as  have  received 
the  like  testimony. 

19  Abraham  has  been  greatlj- witness- 
ed of;  having  been  called  the  friend  of 
God.  And  yet  he  stedfastly  beholding 
the  glory  of  God,  says  with  all  humility, 
'I  am  dust  and  ashes. 

20  Again,  of  Job  it  is  thus  written, 
"That  he  was  just  and  without  blame, 
true  ;  one  that  served  God,  and  abstained 
from  all  evrl.  Yet  he  accusing  himself, 
says,  "'No  man  is  free  from  pollution,  no 
not  though  he  should  live  but  one  day. 

21  Moses  was  called  faithful  in  all 
God's  House ;  and  by  his  conduct  ''the 


P  Psalm  xxii.  G.  q  MS.  it'  airS.  ''  We  say. 
s  To  thtse,  those  also  have  been  witnessed  of.  t  Gen. 
xviii.  27.  "  Job,  i.  1.  ^  Job,  xiv.  4  i^  MS. 
iicpivev  b  Qeos  tov  Icrpo>;X  Sia  rdv  naTlyi^v. 


Persuades  to 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


healing  of  differences. 


Lord  punished  Israel  by  stripes  and 
plagues. 

22  And  even  this  man,  though  thus 
greatly  honoured,  spake  not  greatly  of 
himself;  but  when  the  oracle  of  God 
was  delivered  to  him  out  of  the  bush,  he 
said,  "Who  am  I,  that  thou  dost  send  me .' 
I  am  of  a  slender  voice,  and  a  slow 
tongue. 

2"3  And  again  he  saith,  I  am  as  the 
smoke  of  the  pot. 

24  And  what  shall  we  say  of  David, 
so  highly  testified  of  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures.' To  whom  God  said,  >I  have 
found  a  man  after  my  own  heart,  David 
the  son  of  Jesse,  with  my  holy  oil  have 
1  annointed  him. 

25  But  yet  he  himself  saith  unto  God, 
'^Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according 
to  thy  loving  kindness;  according  unto 
the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot 
out  my  transgressions. 

26  Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine 
iniquity,  and  cleanse  me  from  rny  sin.  For 
I  acknowledge  my  transgressions,  and  rny 
sin  is  ever  before  me. 

27  Against  Thee  only  have  I  sinned, 
and  done  th's  evil  in  thy  sight,  that  thou 
mightest  be  justified  when  thou  speakest, 
and  be  clear  when  thou  judgest. 

28  Behold  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity, 
and  in  sin  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

29  Behold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the 
inward  parts ;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou 
shalt  make  me  to  know  wisdom. 

30  Purge  me  with  hyssoj)  and  I  shall 
be  clean,  wash  me  and  I  shall  be  whiter 
than  snow. 

31  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness, 
that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken 
may  rejoice. 

32  Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and 
blot  out  all  mine  iniquities. 

33  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God ; 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  witliiu  me. 

34  Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  pre- 
sence, and  take  not  thy  holy  spirit  from 
me. 

35  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  sal- 
vation, and  uphold  me  with  thy  free 
spirit. 

36  Then  will  I  teach  transgressors  thy 
ways,  and  sinners  shall  be  converted  unto 
thee. 

37  Deliver  me  from  blood-guiltiness, 
O  God,  thon  God  of  my  salvation,  and 


iExod.iii.il.     Exod.  iv.  10.   y  Psalm  l.xxxix.  20i 
*  Psalm  li.  to  v.  17,  according  to  the  Hebrew. 


my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  right- 
eousness. 

38  0  Lord  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my 
mouth  .shall  shew  forth  thy  praise. 

39  For  thou  desirest  not  sacrifice,  else 
would  1  give  it ;  thou  delightesl  not  in 
burnt  offerings. 

40  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken 
spirit,  a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  0 
God,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

CHAP.  VIII. 

He  again  persuades  them  to  compete  their  divisions. 

THUS  has  the  humility  and  ^godly 
fear  of  the.se  ''great  and  excellent 
men,  '^recorded  in  the  Scriptuies,  through 
obedience,  made  not  only  us,  but  also  the 
generations  before  us  better  ;  even  as 
many  as  have  received  his  holy  oracles 
'Vith  fear  and  truth. 

2  Having  therefore  so  many,  and  such 
great  and  glorious  •^examples,  ^let  us  re- 
turn to  that  2>eace,  which  was  the  mark 
that  from  the  beginning  was  set  before  us  : 

3  Let  us  look  up  to  the  Father  and 
Creator  of  the  whole  world  ;  and  let  us 
hold  fa.st  to  his  glorious  and  e.vceeding 
gifts  and  benefits  of  peace. 

4  Let  us  ^consider  and  behold  with  the 
eyes  of  our  ''understanding,  his  long-suf- 
fering will ;  and  think  how  gentle  and 
jiatient  he  is  towards  his  whole  creation. 

5  The  heavens  moving  by  his  appoint- 
ment, are  subject  to  him  in  peace. 

6  Day  and  night  accomplish  the  courses 
that  he  has  allotted  unto  them,  not  dis- 
turbing one  another. 

7  The  sun  and  moon,  and  all  the  sev- 
eral 'companies  and  constellations  of  the 
stars,  run  the  ^courses' that  he  has  ap- 
pointed to  them  in  concord,  without  de- 
parting in  the  least  from  them. 

8  The  fruitful  earth  yields  its  food 
plentifully  m  due  season  both  to  man  and 
beast,  and  to  all  animals  that  are  upon  it, 
according  to  his  will ;  not  'disputing,  nor 
altering  any  thing  of  what  was  ordered 
by  him. 

9  So  also  the  unfathomable  and  un- 
searchable floods  of  the  deep,  are  kept  in 
by  his  command : 

10  ""And  the  "conflux  of  the  va.st  sea, 


a  Fearfiilness.  b  So  great  and  such  kind  of  men. 
c  Witnessed  of,  or  celebrated,  djn.  e  Deeds  or 
works,  f  Let  us  return  to  tlie  mark  of  peace  given 
to  us  from  the  beginning.  S  See  him  with  our  un- 
derstanding, h  Soul.  ■  Choruses.  k  Bounds, 
i  Doubting,  m  Vid.  Edit.  Coloioes.  p.  53.  o  Hollow, 
or  depth. 

73 


To  obedience 


1.  CORINTHIANS. 


of  fakh,. 


being  brought  together  by  his  order  into 
its  several  collections,  passes  not  the 
bounds  that  he  has  set  to  it ; 

1 1  But  as  he  "appointed  it,  so  it  re- 
mains. For  he  said,  ''Hitherto  shalt  thou 
come,  and  thy  floods  shall  be  broken 
within  thee. 

12  The  ocean,  unpassable  to  mankind, 
and  the  worlds  that  are  beyond  it,  are 
governed  by  the  same  commands  of  their 
great  master. 

13  Spring  and  summer,  autumn  and 
winter,  give  place  peaceably  to  each 
other. 

14  The  several  ^quarters  of  the  winds, 
fulfil  their  'work  in  their  seasons,  with- 
out offending  one  another. 

15  The  ever-flowing  fountains,  made 
both  for  pleasure  and  health,  never  fail 
to  reach  out  their  breasts,  to  support  the 
life  of  men.  - 

IC  Even  the  smallest  creatures  'live 
together  in  peace  and  concord  with  each 
other. 

1 7  All  these  has  the  Great  Creator  and 
Lord  of  all,  commanded  to  observe  peace 
and  concord  ;  being  good  to  all. 

18  Bui  especially  to  us  who  flee  to  his 
mercy  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
to  whom  be  glory  and  majesty  for  ever 
and  ever,  Amen. 

CHAP.  IX. 

He  exhoiU  them  to  obedience,  from  the  consideration 
of  the  goodness  of  God,  and   of  his  presence  in 

every  place. 

rr^AKE  heed,  beloved,  that  his  many 
i  blessings  be  not  to '  us  to  condemna- 
tion ;  except  we  shall  walk  worthy  of 
him,  doing  witli  "  one  consent  what  is 
good  and  pleasing  in  his  sight. 

2  ^  The  spirit  of  the  Lord  is  a  candle, 
searching  out  the  inward  parts  of  the  belly. 

3  Let  us  therefore  consider  how  near 
he  is  to  us ;  and  how  that  none  of  our 
thoughts,  or  reasonings  which  we  frame 
within  ourselves,  are  hid  '■^from  him. 

4  It  is  therefore  just  that  we  should 
not  forsake  our  rank,  by  doing  contrary 
to  his  will. 

5  Let  us  choose  to  offend  a  few  foolish 
and  inconsiderate  men,  lifted  up,  and 
glorying  '^  in  their  own  pride,  rather  than 
God. 


o  Commanded,  so  it  does.  P  Job,  xxxvni.  q  Sta- 
tions. >•  Service.  s  Mix  together.  t  All  of  us. 
u  With  concord,  v  Prov.  xx. '27.  w  That  nothing 
is  hid  to  him  of  our  thoughts,  or  reasonings  "  In 
the  pride  oftheir  own  speech,  or  reason. 

74 


6  Let  us  reverence  our  Lord  Jesu3 
Christ,  whose  blood  was  given  for  us. 

7  Let  us  honour  those  who  are  set 
over  us  ;  let  us  respect  the  aged  that  are 
amongst  us  ;  and  let  us  instruct  the 
younger  men,  in  the  discipline  and  fear  of 
the  I-ord. 

8  Our  wives  let  us  y  direct  to  do  that 
which  is  good. 

9  Let  them  shew  forth  a  lovely  habit  of 
purity  in  all  their  conversation  ;  with  a 
sincere  affection  of  '-  meekness. 

10  Let  the  "government  of  their  tongues 
*"  be  made  manifest  by  their  silence. 

1 1  Let  their  charity  be  without  respect 
of  persons,  alike  towards  all  such  as  re- 
ligiously fear  God. 

1 2  Let  your  children  ^  be  bred  up  in  the 
instruction  of  ChiLst: 

13  And  especially  let  them  learn  how 
great  a  power  humility  has  with  God ; 
liow  much  a  pure  and  holy  charity  avails 
with  him  ;  how  excellent  and  great  his 
fear  is ;  and  how  it  will  "^  save  all  such  as 
turn  to  him  with  holiness  in  a  pure  mind. 

14  For  he  is  the  searcher  of  the 
thoughts  and  counsels  of  the  heart ; 
whose  breath  is  in  us,  and  when  he 
pleases  he  can  take  it  from  us. 

CHAP.  X. 

Of  faith  :  and  particularly  vifhat  we  are  to  believe  as 
to  the  Resurrection. 

BUT  all  these  things  ^  must  be  con- 
firmed by  the  faith  which  is  in 
Christ ;  for  so  he  himself  bespeaks  us  by 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

2  '  Come  ye  children  and  hearken  unto 
me,  and  I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of  the 
Lord.  What  man  is  there  that  desireth 
life,  and  loveth  to  see  good  days.' 

3  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy 
lips  that  they  speak  no  guile. 

%■  Depart  from  evil  and  do  good  ;  seek 
peareand  ensure  it. 

5  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their 
prayers. 

6, But  the  face  of  the  Lord  is  against 
them  that  do  evil,  to  cut  off  the  remem- 
brance of  them  from  the  earth. 

7  The  righteous  cried,  and  the  Lord 
heard  him,  and  delivered  him  out  of  ail 
his  troubles. 

8  g  Many   are   the   ^  troubles   of    the 


y  Correct,  or  amend,  z  Will,  or  counsel,  a  Mod- 
eration, b  Let  them  manifest,  c  Partake  of  d  Sa- 
ving. «  The  faith  confirms.  f  Psalm  xxxiv,  11. 
g  Psalm  xxxii.  10.     h  Scourges. 


Various  proofs 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


from  nature 


wicked  ;  but  they  that  tiust  in  tlie  Lord, 
mercy  shall  encompass  them  about. 

9  Our  all-merciful  and  beneficent  Father 
hath  bowels  of  compassion  towards  them 
that  hear  him  ;  and  kindly  and  lovingly 
bestows  his  graces  upon  all  such  as  come 
to  him  with  a  simple  mind. 

10  Wherefore  let  us  not '  waver,  neither 
let  us  have  any  doubt  in  our  hearts,  of 
his  excellent  and  glorious  gifts. 

11  ^  Let  that  be  far  from  us  which  is 
written, '  Miserable  are  the  double-minded, 
and  those  who  are  doubtful  in  their  hearts. 

12  Who  say,  These  things  have  we 
heard,  and  our  fathers  have  told  us  these 
things.  But  behold  we  are  grown  old, 
and  none  of  them  have  happened  unto  us. 

13  0  ye  fools !  ""consider  the  trees; 
take  the  vine  for  an  e.xample.  First  it 
sheds  its  leaves  ;  then  it  buds ;  after  that 
it  spreads  its  leaves  ;  then  it  flowers ;  then 
come  ttie  sour  grapes ;  and  after  them  fol- 
lows the  ripe  fruit.  Ye  see  how  in  a 
little  time  the  fruit  of  the  tree  comes  to 
maturity. 

14  Of  a  truth,  yet  a  little  while  and 
his  will  shall  suddenly  be  accomplished. 

15  The  Holy  Scripture  itself  bearing 
witness.  That  "  He  shall  quickly  come 
and  not  tarry,  and  that  the  Lord  shall 
suddenly  come  to  his  temple,  even  the 
"  holy  one  whom  ye  look  for. 

16  Let  us  consider,  beloved,  how  the 
Lord  does  continually  shew  us,  that  there 
shall  be  a  future  resurrection;  of  which 
he  has  made  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  the 
first-fruits,  raising  him  from  the  dead. 

17  LfJt  us  P  contemplate,  beloved,  the 
resurrection  that  is  i  continually  made 
before  our  eyes. 

18  Day  and  night  manifest  a  resurrec- 
tion to  us.  The  night  lies  down,  and  the 
day  arises :  again  the  day  departs  and  the 
night  comes  on. 

19  Let  us  behold  the  fruits  of  the 
earth.  Every  one  sees  how  the  seed  is 
sown.  The  sower  ■'goes  forth,  and  casts 
it  upon  the  earth ;  and  the  seed  which 
when  it  was  sown  fell  upon  the  earth  dry 
and  naked,  in  time  dis.solves. 

20  And  from  the  dissolution,  the  great 
power  of  the  providence  of  the  Lord 
raises  it  again ;  and  of  one  seed  many 
arise,  and  bring  forth  fruit. 


i  Be  double-minded,  k  Let  the  writing  be  far 
from  us.  1  James,  i.  8.  m  Compare  yourselves  unto 
a  tree.  "Ex.  MS.  omitted  by  Junius,  Hab.  3,  ii.  Mai. 
iii.  1.  o  Cotcler.  'AvveXos,  Angel,  p  See.  q  Made 
every  season,     r  Went  forth,  and  so  in  the  rest. 


CHAP.  XL 

The  Resurrection  further  proved. 

LET  US  consider  that  wonderful  'type 
of  the  resurrection,  which  is  seen  in 
the  eastern  countries ;  that  is  to  say,  in 
Arabia. 

2  There  is  a  certain  bird  called  a  Phoe- 
ni.x :  of  this  there  is  never  but  one  at  a 
time ;  and  that  lives  live  hundred  years 
And  when  the  time  of  its  dissolution 
draws  near,  that  it  must  die,  it  makes 
itself  a  nest  of  frankincense  and  myrrh, 
and  other  spices,  into  which,  when  its 
time  is  fulfilled,  it  enters  and  dies. 

3  But  its  flesh  purifying,  breeds  a  cer- 
tain worm,  which  being  nourished  with 
the  juice  of  the  dead  '  bird  brings  forth 
feathers  ;  and  when  it  is  grown  to  "  a  per- 
fect state,  it  takes  up  the  nest  in  which 
the  bones  of  its  ^  parent  lie,  and  carries 
it  from  Arbaia  into  Egypt,  to  a  city  called 
Heliopolis : 

4  And  flying  in  open  day  in  the  sight 
of  all  men,  lays  it  upon  the  altar  of  the 
sun,  and  .so  returns  from  whence  it  came. 

5  The  priests  then  search  into  the  re- 
cords of  the  time ;  and  find  that  it  returned 
precisely  at  the  end  of  five  hundred  years. 

6  And  •"  shall  we  then  think  it  to  be 
any  very  great  and  strange  thing,  for  the 
Lord  of  all  to  raise  up  those  that  reli- 
giously .serve  him  in  the  assurance  of  a 
good  faith,  when  even  by  a  bird  he  shews 
us  the  greatne.ssof  his  power  lo  fulfil  his 
promise  .' 

7  For  he  says  in  a  certain  place.  Thou 
shalt  raise  me  up  and  I  shall  confess  unto 
thee. 

8  And  again,  "I  laid  me  down  and 
slept,  and  awaked,  because  thou  art  with 
me. 

9  And  again.  Job  says,  >  thou  shalt 
raise  up  this  flesh  of  mine  that  has  suf- 
fered all  these  things. 

10  Having  therefore  this  hope,  let  us 
^hold  fast  to  him  who  is  faithful  in  all 
his  promises,  and  righteous  in  all  his 
judgments  ;  who  has  commanded  us  not 
to  lie,  how  much  more  will  he  not  him- 
self lie  > 

1 1  For  nothing  is  impossible  w^ith  God, 
but  to  lie. 

12  Let  his  faith  then  be  stirred  up 
again  in  us ;  and  let  us  consider  that  all 
things  are  nigh  unto  him. 

13  By  the  word  of  his  »  power  he  made 


8  Sign,  t  Animal,  u  Strong 
i  Psalm  iii.  5.  y  Job,  .tix.  -26. 
fastened,     a  Majesty. 


V  Progenitor.  wDq. 
Ler  our  minds  be 

75 


of  the  resurreclion. 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


God''s  vengeance. 


all  things  ;  and  by  ^  the  same  word  he  is 
able,  (whenever  he  will,)  to  destroy  them. 

14  c  Who  shall  say  unto  him,  What 
dost  thou  ?  Or  who  shall  resist  the  power 
of  his  strength  ? 

15  When,  and  as  he  pleased,  ''  he  will 
do  all  things ;  and  nothing  shall  pass 
away  of  all  that  has  been  determined  by 
him. 

16  All  things  are  open  before  him; 
nor  can  any  thing  be  hid  from  his  counsel. 

17  eThe  heavens  declare  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  lirmament  sheweth  his 
handy  work.  Day  unto  day  uttereth 
speech,  and  night  unto  night  sheweth 
knowledge.  There  is  no  speech  nor  lan- 
guiige  where  their  voice  is  not  heard. 

CHAP.  XII. 

It  is  impossible  to  escape  the  vengeance  of  God,  if 
we  continue  in  sin. 

SEEING  then  all  things  are  seen  and 
heard  by  God  ;  let  us  fear  him,  and 
let  us  lay  aside  our  wicked  works  which 
proceed  from  ill  desires;  that  through  his 
mercy  we  may  be  f  delivered  from  the 
i  condemnation  to  come. 

2  For  whither  can  any  of  us  flee  from 
his  mighty  hand  ?  Or  what  world  shall 
receive  any  of  those  who  run  away  from 
him  .' 

3  For  thus  saith  the  Scripture  in  a  cer- 
tain place,  ''  Whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy 
spiril,  or  where  shall  1  hide  myself  from 
thy  presence .' 

4  If  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art 
there:  if  I  shall  go  to  the  utmost  parts 
of  the  earth,  there  is  thy  right  hand :  if  I 
shall  make  my  bed  u\  the  deep,  thy  Spirit 
is  there. 

5  Whither  then  shall  any  one  go ;  or 
whither  shall  he  run  from  him  that  com- 
prehends all  things  ? 

6  Let  us  therefore  come  to  him  Avith 
holiness  of  '  heart,  lifting  up  chaste  and 
undefiled  hands  unto  him  :  loving  our 
gracious  and  merciful  Father,  who  has 
made  us  ''  to  partake  of  his  election. 

7  For  so  it  is  written, '  When  the  Most 
High  divided  the  nations,  when  he  sepa- 
rated the  sons  of  Adam,  he  set  the  bounds 
of  the  nations,  according  to  the  number 
of  his  angels  :  ™  his  people  Jacob  became 
the  portion  of  the  Lord,  and  Israel  the  lot 
of  his  inheiitance. 


8  And  in  another  place  he  saith,  "Be- 
hold the  Lord  taketh  unto  himself  a  nation, 
out  of  the  midst  of  the  nations,  as  a  man 
taketh  the  first-fruits  of  his  flour  ;  °  and 
the  Most  Holy  shall  come  out  of  that 
nation. 

CHAP.  XIII.  ' 

IIow  we  must  live  that  we  may  please  God. 

WHEREFORE  we  being  a  part  of 
the  Holy  One  ;  let  us  do  all  those 
things  that  pertain  unto  holiness  ; 

2  Fleeing  all  evil-speaking  again.st  one 
another  ;  all  filthy  and  impuie  embraces, 
together  with  all  drunkenness,  youthful 
lu.stP,  abominable  concupiscenses,  detesta- 
ble adultery,  and  execrable  pride. 

3  V  For  God,  saith  he,  resisteth  the 
proud,  but  giveth  grace  to  the  humble. 

4  Let  us  therefore  hold  fa.st  to  those  to 
whom  1  God  has  given  his  grace. 

5  And  let  us  put  on  concord  being 
humble,  temperate  ;  free  from  all  whisper- 
ing and  detraction  ;  and  justified  by  our 
'  actions,  not  our  words. 

6  For  he  sailh,  -Doth  he  that  speaketh 
and  heareth  many  things,  and  that  is  of  a 
ready  tongue,  suppo.se  that  he  is  right- 
eous .'  t  Blessed  is  he  that  is  born  of  a 
woman,  that  liveth  but  a  few  days:  "use 
not  therefore  much  speech. 

7  Let  our  praise  be  of  God,  not  of  our- 
.selves  ;  for  God  hateth  those  that "  com- 
mend themselves. 

8  Let  the  witness  of  our  good  actions 
be  given  to  us  of  others,  as  it  was  given 
to  the  holy  men  that  went  before  us. 

9  Rashness,  and  arrogance,  and  confi- 
dence, belong  to  them  who  are  accursed 
of  God  :  but  equity,  and  humility,  and 
mildness,  to  such  as  are  blessed  bj'  him. 

1 0  Let  us  then  lay  hold  of  his  bles.sing,  * 
and  let  us  »"  consider  what  are  the  ways 
by  which  we  may  attain  unto  it. 

1 1  Let   us  *  look    back    upon    those 
things  that  have  happened  from  the  be-   • 
ginning. 

12  For  what  was  our  Father  Abraham 
blessed  .'  Was  it  not  becau.se  that  through 
faith  he  wrought  righteousness  and  truth ' 

1 3  Isaac  being  >'  fully  persuaded  of  what 


b  His  word.  c  Wisd.  xii.  1'2.  d  MS.  noifitrci. 
e  if  the.  &c.  Psalm  xix.  1.  f  Covered,  g  Judgments, 
h  Paalm  cxxxix.  7.  '  Mind,  k  A  part.  '  Deut.  xxxii. 
8,  9.    m  So  the  LXX. 

76 


"Deut.  iv.  34.  o Isaiah,  xi.  1.  p  James,  iv.  6.  1 
Pet.  V.  5.  q  The  grace  of  God  has  been  given, 
r  Works,  s  He  that  speaketh  m-jny  things  shall  also 
hear,  &c.  t  Job,  xi.  2,  3.  i.x.\'.  ■  u  Be  not  much  in 
%yords.  v  Are  praised  of.  "'  See  what  iire  the  ways 
of  his  blessing,  x  Unrol.  y  With  full  persuasinn, 
foreknowing  what  was  to  be,  pleasingly  became  a 
sacrifice. 


Of  justification 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


he  knew  was  to  come,  cheerfully  yielded 
himself  up  for  a  sacrifice.  Jacob  with 
humility  departed  out  of  his  own  country, 
fleeing  from  his  brother,  and  went  unto 
Laban  and  served  him  :  and  so  the  sceptre 
of  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel  was  given 
unto  him. 

14  Now  what  the  greatness  of  ^this 
gift  was,  will  plainly  appear,  if  we  shall 
take  the  pains  distinctly  to  consider  all 
the  parts  of  it. 

15  For  from  him  came  the  priests  and 
Levites  ;  who  all  ministered  at  the  altar 
of  God. 

16  P^rom  him  came  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  according  to  the  flesh. 

17  From  him  came  the  kings,  and 
princes,  and  rulers  in  Judah. 

18  Nor  were  the  rest  of  his* tribes  in 
any  small  glory  :  God  having  promised 
that*"  thy  seed,  (says  he,)  shall  be  as  the 
stars  of  heaven. 

19  They  were  all  therefore  i' greatly 
glorified,  not  for  their  own  sake,  or  for 
their  own  works,  or  for  the  righteousness 
that  they  themselves  wrought,  but  through 
his  will. 

20  And  we  also  being  called  by  the 
same  will  in  Christ  Jesus,  are  not  justi- 
fied by  ourselves,  neither  by  our  own 
wisdom,  or  knowledge,  or  piety,  or  the 
works  which  v/e  have  done ''  in  the  holi- 
ness of  our  hearts  : 

21  But  by  that  faith  by  which  God  Al- 
mighty has  justified  all  men  from  the 
beginning ;  to  v.'hom  be  glory  for  ever 
and  ever,  Amen. 

CHAP.   XIV. 

We  are  justifieil  by  faith  ;  yet  this  must   not  lessen 
our  care  to  live  well,  nor  our  pleasure  in  it. 

WHAT  shall  we  do  therefore,  breth- 
ren i  Shall  we  he  slothful  in 
well-doing,  and  lay  aside  our  charity  .' 
God  forbid  that  any  such  thing  should  be 
done  by  us. 

2  But  rather  let  us  hasten  with  all 
earnestness  and  readiness  of  mind,  toper- 
feet  every  good  work.  For  even  the 
Creator  and  Lord  of  all  things  himself  re- 
joices in  his  own  works. 

3  By  his "  Almighty  power  he  fixed 
the  heaven,  and  by  his  incomprehensible 
wisdom  he  adorned  them. 


z  Tlio  gifts  that  were  given  by  him,  were,  lie  shall 
know  whosoever  will  one  by  one,  carefully  and  dis- 
tmctly  consider  them,  a  Sceptres:  See  Jun.  Annot. 
bGen.  xiii.  16.  c  Glorified  and  magnifiej.  J  In 
holiness  of  heart,    e  AH  greatest. 


hy  faith  and  works. 


4  He  also  divided  the  earth  from  the 
water,  with  which  it  was  encompassed  ; 
and  fixed  it  as  a  secure  tower,  upon  the 
foundation  of  his  own  will. 

5  He  also  by  his  appointment,  com- 
manded all  the  living  creatures  that  are 
upon  it,  to  exist. 

6  So  likewise  the  sea,  and  all  the  crea- 
tures that  are  in  it ;  having  first  created 
them,  he  enclosed  them  therein  by  his 
power. 

7  And  above  all,  he  with  his  body  and 
pure  hands,  formed  man,  the  most  excel- 
lent, and,  as  to  his  understanding,  truly 
the  gieatest  of  all  other  creatures,  the 
character  of  his  own  image 

8  For  so  God  says,  ^Let  us  make 
man  in  our  own  image,  after  our  own 
likeness  :  so  God  created  man,  male  and 
female  created  he  them. 

9  And  having  thus  finished  all  these 
things,  he  commended  all  that  he  had 
made,  and  blessed  them,  and  said,  sin- 
crease  and  multiply  : 

10  We  see  how  all  righteous  men 
have  been  adorned  with  good  works  : 
Wherefore  even  the  Lord  himself,  having 
adorned  himself  with  his  works,  rejoiced. 

1 1  Having  therefore  ''  such  an  example, 
let  us  without  delay  '  fulfil  his  will  ; 
and  with  all  our  strength,  work  the  work 
of  righteousness. 

CHAP.  XV. 

This  enforced  from  the  examples  of  the  holy  angels, 
and  from  the  exceeding  greatness  of  that  reward 
which  God  has  prepared  for  us. 

THE  good  workman  wilh  confidence 
receives  the  bread  of  his '' labour  ; 
but  the  sluggish  and  lazy  cannot  look  him 
in  the  face  that  set  him  on  work. 

2  We  must  therefore  be  ready  and  for- 
ward in  well  doing  ;  for  from  him  are  all 
things. 

3  And  thus  he  foretels  us,  '  behold 
the  Lord  cometh,  and  his  reward  is  with 
him,  even  before  his  face,  to  render  to 
every  one  according  to  his  work. 

4  He  warns  us  therefore  before  hand, 
with  all  his  heart,  to  this  end,  that  we 
should  not  be  slothful,  and  negligent  in 
"'  well-doing. 

5  Let  our  boasting,  therefore,  and  our 
confidence  be  in  "  God  :  let  us  submit 
ourselves  to  his  will.  Let  us  con.sider 
the  whole  multitude  of  his  angels,  how 


f  Gen.  i.  26,  27.  g  Gen.  i.  28,  h  This.  ■  Coma 
to.  k  Work.  1  Isaiah,  xl.  10.  Ixii.  11.  m  Every 
good  work,    n  Him. 

77 


Of  attaining  the  reioards 

ready  they  stand  to   minister  unto  his 
will. 

6  As  saith  the  scripture,  "  thousand  of 
thousands  stood  before  him,  and  ten 
thousand  times  ten  thousand  ministered 
unto  him.  PAnd  they  cried,  saying, 
Holy,  holy,  holy,  is  the  Loid  of  Sabbaoth : 
1  The  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory. 

7  Wherefore  let  us  also,  being  consci- 
entiously gathered  together  in  concord 
with  one  another ;  as  it  were  with  one 
mouth,  cry  earnestly  unto  him,  that  he 
would  make  us  partakers  of  his  great 
and  glorious  promises. 

8  For  he  saith,  ■■  Eye  hath  not  seen, 
nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into 
the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God 
has  prepared  for  them  that  wait  for  him. 

CHAP.    XVI. 

1  We  must  attain  unto  this  reward  by  faith  nnd  obe- 
dience, whicli  we  must  carry  on  in  an  orderly  pur- 
suing of  llie  duties  of  our  several  stations,  without 
envying  or  contention.  24  The  necessity  of  dif- 
ferent orders  among  men.  33  We  Jiave  none  of 
us  any  thing  but  what  we  received  of  God  ;  wlicm 
therefore  we  ought  in  e\ery  condition  thankfully 
to  obey. 

'OW  blessed  and  wonderful,  belov- 
ed, are  the  gifts  of  God. 

2  Life  in  immortality  !  brightness  in 
righteousness  !  truth  in  full  assurance  I 
faith  in  confidence !  temperance  in  holi- 
ness ! 

3  And  all  this  has  '  God  subjected  to 
our  understanding  : 

4  What  therefore  shall  those  things  be 
which  he  lias  prepared  for  thein  that  wait 
for  him .' 

5  The  Creator  and  Father  of  »  spirits, 
the  Most  Holy ;  he  only  knows  both  the 
"  greatness  and  beauty  of  them. 

6  Let  us  therefore  strive  with  all  ear- 
nestness, that  we  may  be  found  in  the 
number  of  tho.se  that  wait  for  him,  that 
so  we  may  receive  the  "  reward  which  he 
has  promised. 

7  But  how,  beloved,  shall  we  do  this  .' 
"We  must  fix  our  minds  by  faith  towards 
God,  and  seek  those  things  that  are  pleas- 
ing and  acceptable  unto  him. 

8  We  must  "  act  conformably  to  his 
holy  will;  and  follow  the  way  of  truth, 
casting  off  from  us  all  unrighteousness 
and  iniquity,  together  with  all  covetous- 
iiess,  strife,  evil  manners,  deceit,  whis- 

oDan.  vii.  10.  p  Isaiah,  vi.  3.  q  Every  creature, 
r  Isaiah,  l.viv.  4.  1  Cor.  ii.  9.  s  He.  t  Ages,  u  Quan- 
tity. ■?  Gifts,  w  If  we  shall.  »  Perform  those  things 
tliat  are  agreeable. 

79 


L  CORINTHIANS. 


of  the  righteous. 


pering,  detractions  ;   all  hatred  of   God, 
pride,  and  boasting ;  vanity  and  ambition  : 

9  For  they  that  do  these  things,  are 
odious  to  God  :  and  not  only  they  that 
do  them,  but  also  y all  such  as  approve  of 
those  that  do  them. 

10  For  thus  saith  the  scripture,  *But 
unto  the  wicked  God  said.  What  hast 
thou  to  do  to  declare  my  statutes,  or  that 
thou  shouldst  take  my  covenant  in  thy 
mouth.'  Seeing  that  thou  hatest  instruc- 
tion, and  castest  my  words  behind  thee. 

11  When  thou  sawest  a  thief,  then 
thou  consentedst  with  him  ;  and  hast 
been  partaker  with  adulterers.  Thou 
givest  thy  mouth  to  evil,  and  thy  tongue 
frameth  decit.  Thou  sittest  and  speakest 
against  thy  brother ;  thou  sianderest  thine 
own  mother's  son. 

12  These  things  hast  thou  done  and  1 
kept  silence  ;  thou  thoughtest  that  1  was 
altogether  such  a  one  as  thyself  :  but  I 
will  reprove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order 
before  thine  eyes. 

13  Now  consider  this  ye  that  forget 
God,  lest  I  tear  you  in  pieces,  and  there 
be  none  to  deliver. 

14  Whoso  offerelh  praise,  glorifieth 
me  :  And  to  him  that  disposeth  his  way 
aright,  will  I  shew  the  salvation  of  God. 

15  This  is  the  way,  beloved,  in  which 
we  may  find  » our  Saviour,  even  Jesus 
Christ,  the  high-priest  of  all  our  olTerings, 
the  defender  and  iielper  of  our  weakness. 

16  By  him  we  look  up  to  the  •'  highest 
heavens  ;  and  behold,  as  in  a  glass,  his 
spotless  and  most  excellent  visage. 

17  By  him  are  the  eyes  of  our  hearts 
opened  ;  by  him  our  foolish  and  darkened 
understanding  lejoiceth  to  behold  his 
wonderful  light. 

18  By  him  would  God  have  us  to  taste 
the  knowledge  of  immortality  ;  "^  who 
being  the  brightness  of  his  glory,  is  by  so 
much  greater  tlian  the  angels,  as  he  has 
by  inheritance  obtained  a  more  excellent 
name  than  they. 

19  For  so  it  is  written,  ^  who  maketh 
his  angels  spirits,  and  his  ministers  a 
flame  of  lire. 

20  But  to  his  Son,  thus  saith  the  Lord, 
0  Thou  art  my  Son,  to-day  have  I  begot 
ten  thee. 

21  'Ask  of  me,  and  1  will  give  thee 
the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the 


y  Rom.  i,  32.  ^  Psalm  I.  15,  &c.,  according  to  the 
Hebrew  ^That  which  has  the  power  to  save  us 
b  Heights  of  heaven,  c  Heb.  i.  3,  4.  d  Psalm  civ.  4 
Heb.  i.  7.    e  Heb.  i.  5.     '  Conip.  P.^alm  ii.  7,  8. 


Faith  and  obedience 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


in  our  callings. 


utmost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  posses- 
sion. 

22  And  again  he  saith  unto  him,  s  Sit 
thou  on  my  right  hand,  until  I  make  thine 
enemies  thy  footstool. 

23  But  who  are  his  enemies  .'  Even 
the  wicked,  and  such  who  oppose  their 
own  wills  to  the  will  of  God. 

24  Let  us  therefore  '■march  on,  men 
and  brethren,  with  all  earnestness  in  his 
holy  laws. 

25  Let  us  consider  those  who  fight 
under  our  earthly  governors  :  How  order- 
ly, how  readily,  and  with  what  e.xact 
obedience  they  perform  those  things  that 
are  commanded  them  .' 

26  All  are  not  'generals,  nor  ''colo- 
nels, nor '  captains,  nor  "  inferior  officers  : 

27  But  every  one  in  his  respective 
rank  does  what  is  commanded  him  by 
the  king,  and  those  v*rhohave  the  authori- 
ty over  him. 

28  They  who  are  great,  cannot  subsist 
without  those  that  are  little  ;  nor  the  lit- 
tle without  the  great. 

29  But  there  must  be  a  mixture  in  all 
things,  and  then  there  will  be  use  and 
profit  too. 

30  Let  us,  n  for  example,  take  our 
body  :  the  head  without  the  feet  is  noth- 
ing, neither  the  feet  without  the  head. 

31  And  even  the  smallest  members  of 
our  body  are  yet  both  necessary  and  use- 
ful to  the  whole  body. 

32  But  all  conspire  together,  and  o  are 
subjects  to  one  common  use,  namely,  the 
preservation  of  the  whole  p  body. 

33  Let  therefore  our  whole  body  be 
saved  in  Christ  Jesus  :  and  let  every  one  be 
subject  to  his  neighbour,  i  according  to 
the  order  in  which  he  is  placed  by  the 
■■  gift  of  God. 

34  Let  not  the  strong  man  despise  the 
weak  ;  and  let  tlie  weak  see  that  he  re- 
verence the  strong. 

35  Let  the  rich  man  distribute  to  the 
necessity  of  the  poor :  and  let  the  poor 
bless  God,  tiiat  he  has  given  one  unto 
him,  by  whom  his  want  may  be  supplied. 

36  Let  the  wise  man  shew  forth  his 
wisdom,  not  in  words,  but  in  good  works. 

37  Let  him  that  is  humble,  not  bear 
witness  to  himself,  but  let  him  leave  it  to 
another  to  bear  witness  of  him. 


g  Heb.  i.  13.  Psalm  ex.  1.  Ii  War.  i  Prefects, 
k  Ccmmanders  of  a  thousand.  1  Centurions,  m  Com- 
manders of  fifty,  and  so  on.  n  1  Cor.  xii.  13,  21. 
o  Ute  one  common  subjection,  p  MS.  to  (jd^a. 
q  As  also  he  has  been  placed,      r  His  gift. 


38  Let  him  that  is  pure  in  the  flesh, 
not  grow  proud  of  it,  knowing  that  it 
was  '  from  another  that  he  received  the 
gift  of  continence. 

39  Let  us  consider  therefore,  brethren, 
t  whereof  we  are  made ;  who,  and  what 
kind  of  men  we  came  into  the  world,  as 
it  were  out  of  a  sepulchre,  and  from  outer 
darkness. 

40  He  that  made  us,  and  formed  us, 
brought  us  into  his  own  world  ;  having  " 
prevented  us  with  his  benefits,  even  be- . 
fore  we  were  born. 

41  Wherefore  having  received  all  these 
things  from  him,  we  ought  in  every  thing, 
to  give  thanks  unto  him  :  to  whom  be 
glory  for  ever  and  ever.   Amen. 

CHAP.  xvir. 

From  whence  he  exhorts  them  to  do  every  thing 
orderly  in  the  Church,  as  the  only  wov  to  please 
God. 

FOOLISH  and  unwise  men,  ■■  who 
have  neither  prudence,  nor  learning, 
may  mock  and  deride  us  ;  being  willing 
to  set  up  themselves  in  their  own  con- 
ceits : 

2  ™  But  what  can  mortal  man  do  .'  Or 
what  strength  is  there  in  him  that  is  made 
out  of  the  dust  .' 

3  For  it  is  written,  There  was  no  shape 
before  mine  eyes  ;  only  I  heard  a  '^  sound 
and  a  voice. 

4  y  For  what  ?  Shall  man  be  pure  be- 
fore the  Lord  .'  Shall  he  be  blameless  in 
his  works  ? 

5  Behold,  he  trusfeth  not  in  his  ser- 
vants ;  and  his  angels  he  charged  witli 
folly. 

6  Yea,  the  heaven  is  not  clean  in  his 
sight,  how  much  les.s  they  that  dwell  in 
houses  of  clay ;  of  which  also  we  our- 
selves were  made  .^ 

7  He  smote  them  as  a  moth  ;  and  froju 
morning  even  unto  the  evening  they  en- 
dure not.  Because  they  were  not  able  to 
help  themselves  they  perished  :  he  breath- 
ed upon  them  and  they  died,  because  they 
had  no  wisdom. 

8  ^Call  now  if  there  be  any  that  will 
answer  thee;  and  to  which  of  the  angels 
wilt  thou  look  .' 

9  For  wrath  killeth  the  foolish  man, 
and  envy  slayeth  him  that  is  in  error. 

10  I  have  seen  the  foolish  taking  root, 


s  Anothei-  that  gave  him.  t  Of  what  matter. 
1  Prepared  for  us.  v  And  imprudent,  and  without 
instruction,  w  For.  i  An  air.  y  Job,  iv.  17,  &c. 
XV.  15.  iv.  19.     z  Job,  V.  1,  &cc. 

79 


Order  in  the  church 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


pleasing  to  God. 


but  lo,  their  habitation  was  presently  con- 
sumed. 

1 1  Their  children  were  far  from  safety, 
they  ^perished  at  the  gates  of  those  who 
were  lesser  than  themselves ;  and  there 
was  no  man  to  '•help  them. 

12  For  what  was  prepared  for  them, 
the  righteous  ''did  eat :  and  they  shall 
not  be  delivered  from  evil. 

^f  13  Seeing  then  these  things  are  mani- 
fest unto  us,  it  will  behove  us,  to  take 
care  that  looking  into  the  depths  of  the 
divine  knowledge,  we  do  ail  things  in 
order,  whatsoever  our  Lord  has  com- 
manded us  to  do. 

14  And  particularly,  that  we  perform 
our  offerings  and  service  to  God,  at  their 
appointed  seasons :  for  these  he  has  com- 
majided  to  be  done,  not  ''rashl)'  and  dis- 
orderly, but  at  certain  determinate  times 
and  hours. 

15  And  therefore  he  has  ordained  by 
his  supreme  will  and  authority,  both 
where,  and  by  what  persons,  they  are 
to  be  performed  :  that  so  all  things  being 
piously  done  unto  all  well-pleasing,  they 
may  be  acceptable  unto  ''him. 

16  They,  therefore,  who  make  their 
offerings  at  the  appointed  season,  are 
happy  and  accepted :  because  that  obey- 
ing the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  they 
are  free  from  sin. 

17  And  the  same  care  must  be  had  of 
the  persons  that  minister  unto  him. 

18  ""For  the  chief-priest  has  his  proper 
services;  and  to  the  priests  their  proper 
place  is  appointed  ;  and  to  the  Levites 
appertain  their  proper  ministries  :  and  the 
layman  is  confined  within  the  bounds  of 
what  is  commanded  to  laymen. 

19  Let  every  one  of  you  therefore, 
brethren,  ble.ss  God  in  his  proper  station, 
with  sa  good  conscience,  and  with  all 
gravity,  not  exceeding  the  rule  of  his  ser- 
vice that  is  appointed  to  him. 

20  The  daily  sacrifices  are  not  offered 
every  where ;  nor  the  peace-offerings, 
nor  the  sacrifices  appointed  for  sins  and 
transgressions  ;  but  only  at  Jerusalem  : 
nor  in  any  place  there,  but  only  at  the 
altar  before  tlie  temple ;  that  which  is 
offered  being  first  diligently  examined  by 
the  high-priest  and  the  other  ministers 
we  before  mentioneil. 

21  They  therefore  who  do  any  thing 


a  Were  crushed  ujion.  b  Deliver,  c  Eat.  ^  By 
chance.  eTo  his  will,  tgee  Coteler.  in  loc.  S  Be- 
ing in  a  good  conscience. 

80 


which  is  not  agreeable  to  his  will,  are 
punished  with  death. 

22  ''Consider,  brethren,  that  by  how 
much  the  better  knowledge  God  has 
vouchsafed  unto  us,  by  so  much  the 
greater  danger  are  we  exposed  to. 

CHAP.  XVIII. 

Tlie  orders  of  Ministers  in  Christ's  Church  establish- 
ed by  the  Apostles,  according  to  Christ's  com- 
mand, 7  after  the  e.xample  of  Moses.  10  There- 
fore they  who  have  been  duly  placed  in  the  minis- 
try according  to  their  order,  cannot  without  great 
sin  be  jiut  out  of  it. 

THE  Apostles  have  preached  to  us 
from  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  Jesus 
Christ  from  God. 

2  Christ  therefore  was  sent  by  God, 
the  Apostles  by  Christ  •  so  both  were 
orderly  'sent,  according  to  the  will  of 
God. 

3  For  liaving  received  their  command, 
and  being  thoroughly  assured  by  the  re- 
surrection of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  ''and 
convinced  by  the  word  of  God,  with  the 
'fulness  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  they  went 
abroad,  publishing,  That  the  kingdom  of 
God  was  at  hand. 

4  And  thus  preaching  through  coun- 
tries and  cities,  ""they  appointed  the  first 
fruits  of  their  conversions  to  be  bishops 
and  ministers  over  such  as  should  after- 
wards believe,  having  first  proved  them 
by  the  Spirit. 

5  Nor  was  this  any  new  thing:  see- 
ing that  long  before  it  was  written  con- 
cerning bishops  and  deacons. 

6  For  thus  saith  the  Scripture,  in  a 
certain  place  ;  "I  will  appoint  their  "over- 
seers in  righteou.sness,  and  their  ministers 
in  faith. 

7  And  what  wonder  if  they,  to  whom 
such  a  work  was  committed  by  God  in 
Christ,  established  such  officers  as  we 
before  mentioned  ;  when  even  that  bless- 
ed and  faithful  servant  in  all  his  house, 
]\Ioses,  Pset  down  in  the  Holy  Scriptures 
all  things  that  were  commanded  him. 

8  Whom  also  all  the  rest  of  the  proph- 
ets followed,  bearing  witness  with  one 
consent  to  those  things  that  were  appoint- 
ed by  him. 

9  For  he,  perceiving  an  lemulation  to 
arise  among  the  tribes  concerning  the 
priesthood,  and  that  theie  was  a  strife 
about  it,  whicll  of  them  should  be  adorned 


h  Ye  see       '  Done,     k  l  Thess.  i.  5.  1  With  the 

full  assurance,     m  Vid.  Coteler.  in  loc.  n  IsaiaJi,  l.t. 

17.    o  Bishops,  Deacons,     p  Signified,  q  An  emu 
lation  l)ai)pening. 


Exhorts  to  fp.ace 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


from  holy  examples. 


with  that  glorious  name ;  commanded 
their  twelve  captains  to  bring  to  him 
■"twelve  rods;  every  tribe  being  written 
upon  its  rod,  according  to  its  name. 

10  And  he  then  took  them  and  bound 
them  together,  and  sealed  them  with  the 
seals  of  the  twelve  princes  of  the  tribes ; 
and  laid  them  up  in  the  tabernacle  of  wit- 
ness, upon  the  table  of  GoJ. 

1 1  And  when  he  had  slmt  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle,  he  sealed  up  the  keys  of 
it,  in  like  manner  'as  he  had  done  the 
rods ;  and  said  unto  them.  Men  and  breth- 
ren, whichsoever  tribe  shall  have  its  rod 
blossom,  that  tribe  has  God  chosen  to 
perform  the  office  of  a  priest,  and  tto 
minister  unto  him  in  holy  thing§. 

12  And  when  the  morning  was  come, 
he  called  together  all  Israel,  six  hundred 
thousand  men  ;  and  shewed  to  their  prin- 
ces the  seals ;  and  opened  the  tabernacle 
of  witness  ;  and  brought  forth  the  rods. 

13  And  the  rod  of  Aaron  was  found 
not  only  to  have  blossomed,  but  also  to 
have  fruit  upon  it. 

14  What  think  yo-u,  beloved?  Did  not 
Moses  before  know  "what  should  happen .' 

15  Yes  verily:  but  to  the  end  theie 
might  be  no  division,  nor  tumult  in  Israel, 
he  did  in  this  manner,  that  the  name  of 
the  true  and  only  God  might  be  glorified; 
to  him  be  honour  for  ever  and  ever, 
Amen; 

1 6  So  hkewise  our  Apostles  knew  by 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  there  should 
contentions  arise,  'upon  the  account  of 
the  ministry. 

1 7  And  therefore  haviirg  a  perfect  fore- 
knowledge of  this,  they  appointed  per- 
sons, as  we  have  before  said,  and  then 
^"gave  direction  how,  when  they  should  die 
other  chosen  and  approved  men  should 
succeed  in  their  minisliy. 

18  Wherefore  we  cannot  think  that 
those  may  justly  be  thrown  out  of  their 
ministry,  who  were  either  appointed  by 
them,  or  afterwards  chosen  by  other  emi- 
nent men,  with  the  consent  of  the  whole 
church  ;  and  who  have  with  all  lowli- 
ness and  innocency  ministered  to  the 
flock  of  Christ,  in  peace,  and  without 
self-interest,  and  were  for  a  long  time 
commended  by  all. 


r  Numb.  xvii.  s  And  the  rods,  t  To  e.xercise  the 
office  of  the  priesthood,  and  to  minister,  &.C.  "That 
this  should  be  so.  v  About  the  name  of  the  bishop- 
rick,  w  Left  a  list  of  other  chosen  and  approved 
persons,  who  should  succeed  them  in  their  ministry. 
See  Dr.  Arden's  Disc,  on  this  passage.  Dr.  Ham- 
mond's Power  of  the  Keys,  c.  iii,  p.  413. 


19  For  it  would  be  no  small  sin  in  us, 
should  we  cast  off'  those  from  their  "min- 
istry, who  holily  and  without  blame  ''fulfil 
the  duties  of  it. 

20  Blessed  are  those  priests,  who  hav- 
ing finished  their  course  before  these 
times,  have  obtained  a  fruitful  and  perfect 
dissolution  :  for  they  have  no  fear,  lest 
any  one  should  turn  them  out  of  the 
place  which  is  now  appointed  for  them. 

21  But  we  see  how  you  have  put  out 
some,  who  lived  reputably  among  you, 
from  the  ministry,  which  by  their  inno- 
cence they  had  adorned. 

CHAP.  XIX. 

He  exhorts  them  to  peace  from  examples  out  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  '20  particularly  from  St.  Paul's 
exhortation  to  them. 

YE    are    contentious,    brethren,    and 
zealous  lor  things  that  pertain  not 
unto  salvation. 

2  Look  into  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which 
are  the  true  words  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Ye  know  that  there  is  nothing  unjust  or 
counterfeit  written  in  them. 

3  There  you  shall  not  find  that  righte- 
ous men  were  ever  ca.st  off"  by  such  as 
were  good  themselves. 

4  ^They  were  persecuted,  but  it  was 
by  the  wicked  and  unjust. 

5  They  were  cast  into  prison  ;  but  they 
were  cast  in  by  those  that  were  unholy. 

6  They  were  stoned  ;  but  it  was  by 
transgressors. 

7  They  were  killed  ;  but  by  accursed 
men,  and  such  as  had  taken  up  an  unjust 
envy  against  them. 

8  ='And  all  these  things  they  underwent 
gloriously. 

9  For  what  shall  we  say,  brethren  .' 
Was  Daniel  cast  into  the  •'den  of  lions, 
by  men  fearing  God  .'  Ananias,  Azarias, 
and  Misael,  were  they  "^cast  into  the  '^fiery 
furnace  by  men,  "^professing  the  excellent 
and  glorious  worship  of  the  Most  High  ? 
God  forbid. 

10  What  kind  of  persons  then  were 
they  that  did  these  things  .'  The)^  were 
men  abominable,  full  of  all  wickedness; 
who  were  incensed  to  so  great  a  degree, 
as  to  bring  those  into  sufferings,  who 
with  a  holy  and  imblamable  purpose  of 
mind  worshipped  God  :  not  knovving  that 
the   Most  High  is  the  protector  and  de- 

i  Bishoprick.  y  Ofier  the  gifts.  ^  .Tust  men. 
a  Suffering  these  things  they  underwent  them  glori 
ously.  bDan.vi.lt).  <"  Shut  into.  <i  Dan.  iii.  20. 
Worshipping  the  worship. 

81 


Farther  exhorts 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


to  peace  and  union 


fender  of  all  such  as  with  a  pure  con- 
science serve  his  f  holy  name  :  to  whom 
be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

1 1  But  they  who  with  a  full  persua- 
sion have  endured  these  things,  tare 
made  '  partakers  of  glory  and  honour: 
and  ''are  exalted  and  lifted  up  by  God  in 
their  memorial  throughout  all  ages,  Amen. 

12  K  Wherefore  it  will  behove  us  also, 
brethren,  'to  follow  such  examples  as 
these ;  for  it  is  written.  Hold  fast  to  such 
as  are  holv;  for  they  shall  be  sanctified. 

13  And'  again  in  another  place  he 
saith,  |'^Vith  the  pure  thou  shalt  be  jnire, 
('and  with  the  elect  thou  shalt  be  elect,) 
but  with  the  perverse  man  thou  shalt  be 
'"perverse. 

14  Let  us  therefore  join  ourselves  to 
the  innocent  and  righteous  ;  for  sucli  are 
the  elect  of  God. 

1 5  Wherefore  arc  there  strifes,  and  an- 
ger, and  divisions,  and  schisms,  and  wars, 
among  us  .' 

16  "Have  we  not  all  one  God,  and  one 
Christ .'  "Is  not  one  spirit  of  grace  poured 
out  upon  us  all .'  Have  we  not  one  call- 
ing in  Christ  ? 

17  Why  then  do  we  rent  and  tear  in 
pieces  the  members  of  Christ;  and  raise 
seditions  against  our  own  body  .'  And 
are  come  to  such  a  height  of  madness,  as 
to  forget  that  P we  were  members  one  of 
another  ? 

18  Remember  the  words  of  our  Lord 
Jesus,  ihow  he  said.  Wo  to  that  man, 
(by  whom  ofTences  come.)  ''It  were  bet- 
ter for  him  that  he  had  never  been  born, 
than  he  should  have  offended  one  of  my 
elect.  It  were  better  for  him,  that  a  mill- 
stone should  be  tied  about  liis  neck,  and 
he  should  be  cast  into  the  sea,  than  that 
he  should  offend  one  of  my  little  ones. 

19  Your  schism  has  perverted  many, 
has  discouraged  many  :  it  has  caused  dif- 
fidence in  many,  and  grief  in  us  all.  And 
yet  your  sedition  continues  still. 

20  ':  Take  the  Epistle  of  the  blessed 
Paul  the  Apostle  into  your  hands ;  •  What 
was  it  that  he  wrote  to  you  at  his  first 
preaching  the  Gospel  among  you  ? 

21  Verily  he  did  'by  the  spirit  admon- 
ish you  concerning  himself,  and  Cephas, 

f  Full  of  virtue,  g  Have  inherited,  h  Have  been 
exalted.  >  To  cleave  to.  k  P:;alni  xviii.  26.  1  Omit- 
ted l>y  Junius,  and  now  restored  Ironi  the  MS. 
11  Tnrn  aside.  "  Eph.  iv.  4,  o  1  Cor.  .xii.  P  Rom. 
xii.  5.  q  For  he  said,  r  Luke.  xvii.  2.  »  See  Mr. 
Dodwell's  add.  ad  Pearson.  Chronol.  p.  223.  Dr. 
Orabe's  Spicileg.  torn.  i.  p.  256.  •  Spiritnally  send 
to  you.  1  Cor.  i.  12. 


and  Apollos,  because  that  even  then  ye 
had  begun  to  fall  into  "parties  and  factions 
among  yourselves. 

22  Nevertheless  your  partiality  then 
led  you  into  a  much  less  sin  :  forasmuch 
as  ye  ^placed  your  affections  upon  Apos- 
tles, men  of  "eminent  reputation  in  the 
church ;  and  upon  another,  who  was 
greatly  tried  and  approved  of  by  them. 

23  But  consider,  we  pray  you,  who 
are  they  that  have  now  led  you  astray  ; 
and  lessened  the  ''reputation  of  that  bro- 
therly love  that  was  >so  eminent  among 
you .' 

24  It  is  a  shame,  my  beloved,  yea,  a 
very  great  shame,  and  unworthy  of  your 
Christian  'profession,  to  hear  that  the 
most  firm  and  "ancient  church  of  the  Co- 
rinthians should,  by  one  or  two  persons, 
be  led  into  a  sedition  against  its  priests. 

25  And  this  report  is  come  not  only 
to  us,  but  to  those  also  that  differ  from  us. 

26  Insomuch  that    the    name   of  the        i 
Lord  is  blasphemed  through  your  folly  ; 
and  even  ye  yourselves  brought  into  dan- 
ger by  it. 

27  It  Let  us  therefore  whh  all  haste 
^  put  an  end  to  this  sedition  ;  and  let  us 
fall  down  before  the  Lord,  and  beseech 
him  with  tears  that  he  would  <^  be  favora- 
bly reconciled  to  us,  and  restore  us  again 
to  a  -i  seemly  and  holy  course  of  brother- 
ly love. 

28  For  this  is  the  gate  of  righteous- 
nsss,  opening  luito  life  :  As  it  is  written, 
^  Open  unto  me  the  gates  of  righteous- 
ness;  I  will  go.  in  unto  them  and  will 
praise  the  Lord.  This  is  the  gate  of  the 
Lord,  the  righteous  shall  enter  into  it. 

29  Although  therefore  many  gates  are 
opened,  yet  this  gate  of  righteousness  is 
that  gate  in  Christ,  at  which  blessed  are 
all  thev  that  enter  in,  and  direct  their  way 
in  holiness  and  righteousness,  doing  all 
things  without  disorder. 

30  Let  a  man  be  faithful,  let  him  be 
powerful  in  the  utterance  of  knowledge  ; 
let  him  be  wise  in  making  an  exact  judg- 
ment of  words  ;  let  him  be  pure  in  ail  his 
actions. 

31  But  still  by  how  much  the  more  he 
seems  to  be  '  above  others,  by  leason  of 
these  things,  by  so  much  the  more  will  it 
behove  him  to  be  humble-minded  ;  and  to 


u  Inclinations  (fir  one  above  another),  v  Inclined. 
"•  Witnessed  o!'.  ^  Gravity,  y  .So  much  spoken  of. 
2  Institution.  a  See  Mr.  Dodwell,  1.  c.  p.  222. 
b  Take  away.  "^  Hecoming  favorable  be.  d  Grave, 
venerable.   '"  Psalm  t  xviii.  19, 20.     <  Greater. 


Valtce  and  effects 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


of  unity  and  charity. 


seek  what  is  profitable  to  all  men,  and  not 
his  own  advantage. 

CHAP.  XX. 

1  The  value  which  God  puts  upon  love  and  unity  : 
the  effects  of  a  true  charity  ;  8  which  is  the  gift  of 
God,  and  must  be  obtained  by  prayer. 

HE  that  has  the  Jove  that  is  in  Christ, 
let  him  keep  the  commandments  of 
Christ. 

2  For  who  is  able  to  express  the  s  ob- 
ligation of  the  love  of  God  .'  What  man 
is  sufEcient  to  declare,  as  is  fitting,  the 
excellency  of  its  beauty .' 

3  The  height  to  which  charity  leads, 
is  inexpressible. 

4  Charity  •»  unites  us  to  God  :  i  charity 
covers  the  multitude  of  sins :  ^  charity 
endures  all  things,  is  long-sufiering  in  all 
things. 

5  There  is  nothing  base  and  sordid  in 
charity  :  charity  lifts  not  itself  up  above 
others  ;  admits  of  no  divisions;  is  not  se- 
ditious ;  but  does  all  things  in  peace  and 
concord. 

6  By  charity  were  all  the  elect  of  God 
made  perfect :  Without  it  nothing  is  pleas- 
ing and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God. 

7  Through  charity  did  the  Lord  'join 
us  unto  himself;  whilst  for  the  love  that 
he  bore  towards  us,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
gave  his  own  blood  for  us,  by  the  will  of 
God  ;  his  flesh  for  our  flesh  ;  his  soul  for 
our  souls. 

i  8  IT  Ye  see,  beloved,  how  great  and 
wonderful  a  thing  a  charity  is  ;  and  how 
that  no  expressions  are  suflicieut  to  de- 
clare its  perfection. 

9  But  who  is  fit  to  be  found  in  it  ? 
Even  such  only  as  God  shall  vouchsafe 
to  make  so. 

10  Let  us  therefore  pray  to  him,  and 
beseech  him,  that  we  may  be  worthy  of 
it ;  that  so  we  may  live  in  charity  ;  being 
unblamable,  without  human  propensities, 
without  respect  of  persons. 

11  All  the  ages  of  the  world,  from 
Adam  even  unto  this  day,  are  passed 
away :  but  they  who  have  been  made  per- 
fect in  love,  have  by  the  grace  of  God  ob- 
tained a  place  among  the  righteous ;  and 
shall  be  made  manifest  in  the  '"judgment 
of  the  kingdom  of  Christ. 

12  For  it  is  written,  "  Enter  into  thy 
chambers  for  a  litile  space,  till  my  anger 
and  indignation  shall  pass  away  :  And  I 


g  Bond,  h  Glues,  i  1  Peter,  iv.  8.  k  l  Cor.  xiii. 
7,  &c.  I  Take  us  up.  ni  Animadversion,  or  visita- 
tion,    n  Isaiah,  xxvi.  20. 


will  remember  the  good  day,  and  will 
raise  you  up  out  of  your  graves. 

13  Happy  °  then  shall  we  be,  beloved, 
if  we  shall  have  fulfilled  the  command- 
ments of  God,  in  the  unity  of  love  ;  that 
so,  through  love,  our  sins  may  be  for- 
given us. 

14  For  so  it  is  written,  p  Blessed  are 
they  whose  iniquities  are  forgiven,  and 
whose  sins  are  covered.  Blessed  is  the 
man  to  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  no  sin, 
and  in  whose  mouth  there  is  no  guile. 

15  Now  this  blessing  is  fulfilled  in 
those  who  are  chosen  by  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom  be  glory 
for  ever  and  ever,  Amen. 

CHAP.  XXI. 

1  He  exhorts  such  as  have  been  concerned  in  these 
divisions  to  repent,  and  return  to  their  unity,  con- 
fessing their  sin  to  God  ;  7  which  he  enforces  from 
the  example  of  Moses,  10  and  of  many  among  the 
heathen,  23  and  of  Judith  and  Esther  among  the 
Jews. 

LET  us  therefore,  as  many  as  have 
transgressed  by  any  of  the  i  sugges- 
tions of  the  adversary,  beg  God's  forgive- 
ness. 

2  And  as  for  those  who  have  been  the 
•"  heads  of  the  sedition  and  faction  among 
you,  'let  them  look  to  the  common  end 
of  our  hope. 

3  For  as  many  as  are  'endued  with 
fear  and  charity,  would  rather  they  them- 
selves should  fall  into  trials  than  their 
neighbours:  and  choose  to  be  themselves 
condemned,  rather  than  that  the  good  and 
just  charity  delivered- to  us,  should  suffer. 

4  For  it  is  seemly  for  a  man  to  confess 
wherein  he  has  transgressed, 

5  "  And  not  to  harden  his  heart,  as  the 
hearts  of  those  were  hardened,  who  raised 
up  sedition  against  Moses  the  servant  of 
God:  whose  punishment  was  manifest 
"  unto  all  men  ;  for  they  went  down  alive 
into  the  grave;  death  swallowed  them  up. 

6  "  Pharaoh  and  his  host,  and  all  the 
rulers  of  Egypt,  their  chariots  also  and 
iheir  horsemen,  were  for  no  other  cause 
drowned  in  the  bottom  of  the  Red  Sea, 
and  perished ;  but  because  they  hardened 
their  foolish  hearts,  after  so  many  signs 
done  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  by  Moses  the 
servant  of  God. 

7  IT  Beloved,  God  Ts  not  indigent  of 
anything  ;  nor  does  he  demand  anything 


o  Are  we.  p  Psalm  vxxii.  q  See  Junius  in  loc, 
r  Chief  leaders,  s  They  ought,  t  Walk  according 
to;  live  in.     u  Rather  than.     vNumb.  xvi.    w  Exod 


83 


Exhorts  to  unity  from 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


the  example  of  Moses. 


of  us,  but  that  we  should  confess  our  sins 
unto  him. 

8  For  so  sa>-s  the  "  Holy  David,  >  I 
will  confess  unto  the  Lord,  and  it  shall 
please  him  better  than  a  young  bullock 
that  hath  horns  and  hoofs.  Let  the  jwor 
see  it  and  be  glad. 

9  And  again  he  sailh,  ^  Otferuuto  God 
the  sacriiice  of  praise,  and  pay  thy  vows 
unto  the  Most  High.  And  call  ujjon  me 
in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  I  will  deliver 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.  "  The 
sacriiice  of  God  is  a  broken  .spirit. 

\  '{       10  IT  Ye  know,  beloved,  ye  know  full 
'  well  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  have  thor- 
oughly searched  into  the  oracles  of  God: 
call  tliem  therefore  to  your  remembrance. 

11  For  when  Moses  went  up  into  the 
mount,  and  tarried  there  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  in  fasting  and  humiliation, 
God  said  unto  him,  i^  Arise,  Moses,  get 
thee  down  quickly  from  hence,  for  thy 
people  whom  thou  broughiest  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  have  committed  wicked- 
ness: they  have  soon  transgressed  the 
way  that  I  commanded  them,  and  have 
made  to  themselves  graven  images. 

12  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  I  have 
epoken  unto  thee  ''several  times,  say- 
ing, I  have  seen  this  people,  and  behold 
it  is  a  stiff-necked  people  :  Let  me  there- 
fore destroy  them,  and  put  out  their  name 
from  under  heaven.  And  I  will  make 
unto  thee  a  great  and  a  wonderful  na- 
tion, that  shall  be  much  *  larger  than  this. 

13  But  Moses  .said.  Not  so.  Lord :  For- 
give now  this  people  their  sin ;  or  if  thou 
wilt  not,  blot  me  also  out  of  the  book  of 
the  living.  0  admirable  charity  !  0  in- 
superable perfection  !  The  servant  speaks 
freely  to  his  Lord :  He  beseeches  him 
either  to  forgive  the  people,  or  to  <=  destroy 
him  together  with  them. 

J  14  11  Who  is  there  among  you  that  is 

generous  .'  Who  that  is  compassionate  .' 
Who  that  has  any  charity  .'  Let  him  say, 
if  this  sedition,  this  contention,  and  these 
schisms,  be  upon  my  account,  I  am  ready 
to  depart ;  to  go  away  whithersoever  ye 
please;  and  do  whatsoever  fye  shall  com- 
Riand  me  :  Only  let  the  flock  of  Christ  be 
in  peace,  w'ith  the  elders  that  are  set 
over  it. 

15  He  that  shall  do  this,  shall  get  to 
himself  a  very  great  honour  in  the  Lord; 

5c  Chosen,  y  Psalm  Ixix.  31.  z  Psalm  1.  14. 
1  Psalm  li.  17.  •>  Exod.  xxxiji.  Deut.  ix.  c  Once 
and  twice,  d  More,  greater,  e  Blot  out.  i  The 
multitude. 

84 


and  e  there  is  no  place  but  what  will  be 
ready  to  receive  him  :  ''  For  the  earth  is 
the  Loids,  and  the  fulness  thereof. 

16  These  things  they  who  have  their 
conversation  towards  God  not  to  be  re- 
pented of,  both  have  done,  and  will  al- 
ways be  ready  to  do. 

17  IT 'Nay,  and  even  the  Gentiles 
themselves  have  given  us  examples  of 
this  kind. 

18  For  we  read,  How  many  kings  and 
princes,  in  times  of  pestilence,  being 
warned  by  their  oracles,  have  given  up 
themselves  unto  death  ;  that  by  their  own 
blood,  they  might  deliver  their  ''  country 
from  destruction. 

19  1  Others  have  forsaken  their  cities, 
that  so  they  might  put  an  end  to  the  se- 
ditions of  them. 

20  W^e  know  how  many  among  our- 
selves, have  given  up  themselves  unto 
bonds,  that  thereby  they  might  free  others 
from  them. 

21  Others  have  sold  themselves  into 
bondage, that  they  might  feed  "  their  breth- 
ren with  the  price  of  themselves. 

22  And  even  many  women,  being 
strengthened  by  the  grace  of  God,  have 
done  many  glorious  and  manly  things  on 
such  occasions. 

23  The  blessed  °  Judith,  when  her  city 
was  besieged,  desired  the  elders,  that  they 
would  suffer  her  to  go  into  the  camp  of 
°  their  enemies  :  and  .she  went  out  expos- 
ing herself  to  danger,  for  the  love  she 
bore  to  her  country  and  her  people  that 
were  besieged  ;  and  the  Lord  delivered 
Holofernes  into  the  hands  of  a  woman. 

24  Nor  did  p  Esther,  being  perfect  in 
faith,  expose  herself  to  any  less  hazard, 
for  the  delivery  of  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel,  in  danger  of  being  destroyed.  For 
by  fasting  and  humbling  henself,  she  en- 
treated the  Great  Maker  of  all  things,  the 
God  of  q  spirits  ;  so  that  beholding  the  hu- 
mility of  her  soul,  he  delivered  the  peo- 
ple, for  whose  sake  she  was  in  peril. 

CHAP.  XXIT. 

The  benefit  of  mutual  advice  and  correction.  He 
entreats  them  to  follow  that  which  is  here  given 
to  them. 

WHEREFORE  let  us  also  pray  for 
such  as  are  fallen  into  ■'sin.    That 


S  Every  place,  h  Psalm  xxiv.  i  But  that  we  may 
bring  the  examples  of  heathens,  k  Citizens.  1  Many, 
ni  Others,  a  Judith,  viii.  ix.  x.  xiii.  o  The  stran- 
gers, p  Esther,  vii.  viii.  q  .Ages  ;  who.  r  Viz.  that 
of  schism. 


The  benefits 


I.  CORINTHIANS. 


of  mutual  advice. 


a 


being  endued  with  humility  and  modera- 
tion, they  may  submit  not  unto  us,  but  to 
the  will  of  God. 

2  For  by  this  means  "they  shall  ob- 
tain a  fruitful  and  perfect  remembrance, 
with  mercy,  both  in  our  prayers  to  God, 
and  in  our  mention  of  them  before  his 
t  saints. 

3  Let  us  receive  correction,  at  which 
no  man  ought  to  rejfiie. 

4  Beloved,  the  reproof  and  the  correc- 
tion which  we  exercise  towards  one  an- 
other, is  good  and  exceedingly  profitable : 
for  it  unites  us  the  more  closely  to  the 
will  of  God. 

5  For  so  says  the  Holy  Scripture,  "  The 
Lord  corrected  me,  but  he  did  not  deliver 
me  over  imto  death.  ''  For  whom  the 
Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth,  and  scourgeth 
every  son  whom  he  receiveth. 

6  "  The  righteous,  saith  he,  shall  in- 
struct me  in  mercy  and  reprove  me  ;  but 
let  not  oil  of  sinners  make  fat  my  head. 

7  And  again  he  saith,  ^  Happy  is  the 
man  whom  God  correcteth ;  therefore  des- 
pise not  thou  the  chastening  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 

8  For  he  rnaketh  sore  and  bindeih  up ; 
he  woundeth  and  his  hands  make  whole. 

9  He  shall  deliver  thee  in  six  troubles; 
yea,  in  seven  there  shall  no  evil  touch 
thee.  In  famine  he  shall  redeem  thee 
from  death  ;  and  in  war  from  the  power 
of  the  sword. 

10  Thou  shalt  be  hid  from  the  scourge 
of  the  tongue ;  neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid 
of  destruction  when  it  cometh. 

1 1  Thou  shalt  laugh  at  the  v\'icked  and 
sinners  ;  neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid  of 
the  beasts  of  the  earth.  The  wild  beasts 
shall  be  at  peace  with  thee. 

12  Then  shalt  thou  know  that  thy 
house  shall  be  in  peace  ;  and  the  habita- 
tion of  thy  tabernnrle  shall  not  err.  Thou 
shalt  know  also  ■  \at  thy  seed  shall  be 
gi-eat,  and  thy  cffi:j.:-.'ng  as  the  grass  of  the 
earth. 

13  Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  as 
the  ripe  corn,  that  is  taken  in  due  time  ; 
like  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in,  in  its 
season. 

14  Ye  see,  beloved,  how  there  shall  be 
a  defence  to  those  that  are  corrected  of 
the  Lord.  For  being  a  good  instructor, 
he  is  willing  to  admonish  us  by  his  holy 
discipline. 


8  There  shall  be  to  them.  *  i.  e.  our  Fellow  Chris- 
tians, u  Psalin  xcviii.  v  Prov.  iii.  12.  w  Psalm 
cxli.  5.    ^  Job,  V.  17,  &c. 


15  Do  ye  therefore,  who  laid  the  first 
foundation  of  this  sedition,  submit  your- 
selves unto  your  5' priests;  and  be  instruct- 
ed unto  repentance,  bending  the  knees  of 
your  hearts. 

16  Learn  to  be  subject,  laying  aside 
all  proud  and  arrogant  boasting  of  your 
tongues. 

1 7  For  it  is  belter  for  you  to  be  found 
little,  and  approved,  in  the  ^  sheepfold  of 
Christ,  than  to  seem  to  yourselves  bel- 
ter than  others,  and  to  be  cast  out  of  his 
^  fold. 

18  For  ihus  speaks  the  excellent  and 
all-virtuous  wisdom,  ''  Behold  I  will  pour 
out  the  word  of  my  spirit  upon  you,  1  will 
make  known  my  speech  unto  you. 

19  Because  I  called  and  ye  would  not 
hear,  I  stretched  out  my  words  and  ye 
regarded  not. 

20  But  ye  have  set  at  nought  all  my 
counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  reproof. 
I  will  also  laugh  at  your  calamity,  and 
mock  when  your  fear  cometh. 

21  When  your  fear  cometh  as  desola- 
tion, and  your  destruction  as  a  whirlwind, 
when  distress  and  anguish  cometh  upon 
you. 

22  Then  shall  ye  call  upon  me,  but  1 
will  not  hear  you :  the  wicked  shall  seek 
me,  but  they  shall  not  find  me.  For  that 
they  hated  knowledge,  and  did  not  seek 
the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

23  They  would  not  hearken  unto  my 
counsel :  they  despised  all  my  reproof. 
Therefore  shall  they  eat  of  the  fruit  of 
their  own  ways :  and  be  filled  with  their 
own  wickedness. 


CHAP.  XXIII. 

1  Recommends  them  to  God.  3  Desires  speedily  to 
hear  that  this  Epistle  has  had  a  good  effect  upon 
them.     4  Conclusion. 

NOW  God,  the  inspector  of  all  things, 
the  ''-  Father  of  Spirits,  and  the  Lord 
of  all  flesh,  who  hath  chosen  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  us  by  him,  to  be  his 
peculiar  people ; 

2  Grant  to  every  soul  of  man  that  call- 
eth  upon  his  glorious  and  holy  name, 
faith,  fear,  peace,  long-suffering,  patience, 
temperance,  holiness,  and  .sobriety,  unto 
all  v.-ell-pleasing  ^'m  his  sight;  through 
our  High  Priest  and  Protector  .Jesus  Christ, 
by  whom  be  glory  and  majesty,  and  pow- 


y  Elders,     z  See  Junius  in  loc.     a  gee  Coteler,  io 
loc.     !>  Prov.  i.  23,  &c.     <:  Master,    d  To  his  name. 

85 


We  ousht  to  value 


II.  CORINTinANS. 


our  salvation. 


er,  and  honour,  unto  him  now  and  for 
ever  more,  Amen. 

3  If  The  messengers  whom  we  have 
sent  unto  you,  Claudius  Ephebus,  and 
Valerius  Bito,  with  Fortunatus,  send  back 
to  us  again  with  all  speed  in  peace  and 
with  joy,  that  they  may  the  sooner  eic- 
quaint  us  with  your  peace  and  concord, 
so  much  prayed  for  and  desired  by  us : 


and  that  we  may  rejoice  in  your  good 
order. 

4  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  you,  and  with  all  that  are  any 
where  called  by  God  through  him :  To 
whom  be  honour  and  glory,  and  might 
and  majesty,  and  eternal  dominion,  by 
^  Jesus  Christ,  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting, Amen. 


The  SECOND  EPISTLE  of  CLEMENT  to  the  CORIN- 
THIANS 


[Archbishop  Wake  is  the  translator  of  this  Second  Epistle,  which  he  says  was  not  of  so  great  a  reputation 
among  the  primitive  Fathers  as  the  first.  He  defends  it,  notwithstanding  ;  and  in  answer  to  those  who 
objected  to  Clement's  First  Epistle,  that  it  did  not  duly  honour  the  Trinity  ;  the  Archbishop  refers  to 
this  as  containing  proof  of  the  writer's  fulness  of  belief  on  that  point.] 


CHAP.  I. 

That  we  ought  to  value  our  salvation  ;  and  to  show 
that  we  do,  by  a  sincere  obedience. 

BRETHREN,  we  ought  so  to  think  of 
Jesus  Christ  as  of  God ;  as  of  the 
judge  of  the  living  and  the  dead;  nor 
should  we  think  » any  less  of  our  salva- 
tion. 

2  For  if  we  think  » meanly  of  him,  we 
shall  hope  only  to  receive  » some  small 
things  from  him. 

3  And  if  we  ''  do  so,  we  shall  sin;  not 
« considering  from  whence  we  have  been 
called,  and  by  whom, and  to  what  place; 
and  how  much  Jesus  Christ  vouchsafed 
to  suffer  for  our  sakes. 

4  What  recompense  then  shall  we 
render  unto  him  .'  Or  what  fruit  that  may 
be  worthy  of  what  he  has  given  to  us  .' 

5  For  indeed  ''how  great  are  those  ad- 
vantages which  we  owe  to  him  in  rela- 
tion to  our  holiness  ?  He  has  illuminated 
us  ;  as  a  father,  he  has  called  us  his  child- 
ren ;  he  has  saved  us  who  were  losl  and 
undone. 

6  What  praise  shall  we  give  to  him  .' 
Or  what  reward  that  may  be  answerable 
to  those  things  which  we  have  received. 

7  W^e  were  defective  in  our  under- 
standings, worshipping  stones,  and  wood, 
gold,  and  sjlver,  and  brass,  the  works  of 


'  Him.  a  Little  things,  or  meanly,  b  Hear  as  of 
little  things,  c  Knowiuj  d  How  great  holy  things 
do  we  owe  unto  him. 

86 


men's  hands :  and  our  whole  life  was  no- 
thing else  but  death. 

8  Wheielore  being  encompassed  with 
darkness,  and  having  such  a  mist  before 
our  eyes,  we  have  looked  up,  and  through 
his  will  have  laid  aside  the  cloud  where- 
\vith  we  were  surrounded. 

9  For  he  had  compassion  upon  us,  and 
being  moved  in  his  bowels  towards  us,  he 
saved  us  ;  having  beheld  in  us  much  er- 
ror, and  destruction ;  and  seen  that  we  had 
no  hope  of  salvation,  but  only  through 
him. 

10  For  he  called  us,  who  were  not; 
and  was  pleased  from  nothing  to  give  us 
a  beine. 

CHAP.  II. 

1  That  God  had  before  prophesied  by  Isaiah,  that 
the  Gentiles  shou!-"  be  saved.  8  That  this  ought 
to  engage  such  c  ^cialiy  to  live  well;  without 
which  they  will  still  miscarry. 

REJOICE  thou  barren,  that  bearest 
not ;  break  forth  and  cry  thou  that 
travailest  not;  for  she  that  is  desolate 
hath  many  m.ore  children  than  she  that 
hath  an  husband.* 

2  In  that  he  said,  rejoice  thou  barren 
that  bearest  not,  he  spake  of  us,  for  our 
church  was  barren  before  that  children 
were  given  unto  it. 

3  And  again  ;  when  he  said,  cry  thou 
that  travailest  not;  he  implied  thus  much. 


The  Gentiles 


n.  CORINTHIANS. 


to  he  saved 


That  after  the  manner  of  woman  in  tra- 
vail, we  should  not  cease  to  put  up  our 
prayers  unto  God  ^abundantly. 

4  And  for  what  follows,  because  she 
that  is  desolate  hath  more  children  than 
she  that  hath  a  husband  ;  it  was  therefore 
added,  because  our  people,  which  seemed 
to  have  been  forsaken  by  God,  now  be- 
lieving in  him,  are  become  more  than  they 
who  seemed  to  have  God. 

5  And  another  Scripture  saith,  e  I  came 
not  to  call  the  righteous  but  sinners  (to 
repentance.)  The  meaning  of  which  is 
this ;  that  those  who  were  lost,  must  be 
saved. 

6  For  that  is,  indeed,  truly  great  and 
wonderful,  not  to  confirm  those  things 
that  are  yet  standing,  but  those  which  are 
faUing. 

7  Even  so  did  it  seem  good  to  Christ 
to  save  what  was  lost ;  and  when  he 
came  into  the  world,  he  saved  many,  and 
called  us  who  were  already  lost. 

8  Seeing  then  he  has  showed  so  great 
mercy  towards  us  ;  and  chiefly  for  that, 
we  who  are  now  alive  do  no  longer  sa- 
critice  to  dead  gods,  nor  pay  any  worship 
to  them,  but  have  by  him  been  "brought  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  Father  of  Truth  ; 

9  •'  Whereby  shall  we  show  that  we 
do  indeed  know  him,  but  by  not  denying 
him  by  whom  we  have  come  to  the  know- 
ledge of  him  ? 

10  For  even  he  himself  saith,  'Who- 
soever shall  confess  me  before  men,  him 
will  I  confess  before  my  Father.  This 
therefore  is  our  reward,  if  we  shall  con- 
fess him  by  Avhom  we  have  been  saved. 

1 1  But,  wherein  must  we  confess  him  ? 
Namely,  in  doing  those  things  which  he 
saith,  and  not  disobeying  his  command- 
ments: by  worshipping  him  not  with  our 
hps  only,  but  with  all  our  heart,  and  \v\ih 
all  our  mind.  For  he  saith  in  Isaiah  : 
''This  people  honoureth  me  with  their 
lips,  but  their  heart  is  far  from  me. 

12  Let  us  then  not  only  call  him  Lord, 
for  that  will  not  save  us.  For  he  saith, 
'Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me  Lord, 
Lord,  shall  be  saved,  but  he  that  doth 
righteousness. 

13  Wherefore,  brethren,  let  us  confess 
him  by  our  works;  by  loving  one  an- 
other; in  not  committing  adultery,  not 
speaking  evil  against  each  other,  not  en- 

f  AffXwf .  See  St.  James,  i.  5.  Compare  Rom. 
3tii.  8.  2  Cor.  vii.  2.  ix.  11,  13.  g  MaU.  ix.  13. 
hWhat  is  the  knowledge  which  is  towards  him. 
i  Matt.  X  32.    t  Tsaiah,  xxix.  13.     '  Matt.  vii.  21. 


vying  one  another;  but  by  being  temper- 
ate, merciful,  good. 

14  Let  us  also  have  a  mutual  sense  of 
one  another's  sufferings  ;  and  not  be  co- 
vetous of  money ;  but  let  us,  by  our  good 
works,  confess  God,  and  not  by  those 
that  are  otherwise. 

15  Also  let  us  not  fear  men,  but  rather 
God.  '"  Wherefore,  if  we  should  do  such 
wicked  things,  the  Lord  hath  said.  Though 
ye  should  be  joined  unto  me,  even  in  my 
very  bosom,  and  not  keep  m}^  command- 
ments, I  would  cast  you  oii",  and  say  un- 
to you,  "  Depart  from  me  ;  I  know  not 
whence  you  are,  ye  workers  of  iniquity 

CHAP.  in. 

I  Thai  whilst  we  secure  the  other  world,  we  need 
not  fear  what  can  befal  us  in  this.  .5  That  if  we 
follow  the  interests  of  this  present  world,  we  can- 
not escape  the  punishment  of  the  other.  10  W'hich 
ought  to  bring  us  to  repentance  and  holiness;  14 
and  that  presently  ;  because  in  this  world  is  the 
only  time  for  repentance. 

WHEREFORE  brethren ,  leaving  wil  1- 
ingly  for  conscience  sake  our  so- 
journing in  this  world,  let  us  do  the  will 
of  him  who  has  called  us,  and  not  fear  to 
depart  out  of  this  world. 

2  For  the  Lord  saith,  "  Ye  shall  be  as 
sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves,  l^eter  an- 
swered and  said,  What  if  the  wolves 
shall  tear  in  pieces  the  sheep  ?  Jesus 
said  unto  Peter,  Let  not  the  sheep  fear 
the  wolves  after  death  :  p  And  ye  also  fear 
not  those  that  kill  you,  and  after  that 
have  no  more  that  tiiey  can  do  unto  yon; 
but  fear  him  who  after  you  are  dead,  ha.=; 
power  to  cast  both  soul  and  body  into 
hell-fire. 

3  For  consider,  brethren,  that  the  so- 
journing of  this  flesh  in  the  present  world, 
is  but  little,  and  of  a  sl.ort  continuance; 
but  the  promise  of  Christ  is  great  and 
wonderful,  even  the  rest  of  the  kingdom 
that  is  to  come,  and  of  eternal  life. 

4  What  then  must  we  do  that  we  may 
attain  unto  it .'  We  must  <i  order  our  con- 
versation holily  and  righteously,  and  look 
upon  all  the  things  of  this  world  as  none 
of  ours,  and  not  desire  them.  For,  if  we 
desire  to  possess  them,  we  fall  from  the 
way  of  righteousness. 

5  For  thus  saith  the  Lord,  ""No  servant 
can  serve  two  masters.  If,  therefore,  we 
shall  desire  to  serve  God  and  Mammon,  it 
will  be  without  profit  to  us      'For  what 

m  Wherefore  we  doing  these  things,  u  Matt,  vii, 
23.  Luke,  xiii.  27.  o  Matt.  x.  16.  P  Luke,  xii.  4 
5.  q  MS.  Alexander,  hctoji  52,  SiKatoj;  avarpi- 
<pe(7ddt       ^  Luke,  xvi.  13.     »  Matt.  xvi.  26 

87 


Exhorts  in 


II.  CORINTHIANS. 


repentance. 


will  it  profit  if  one  gain  the  whole  world 
and  lose  his  own  soul  ? 

6  Now  this  world  and  that  to  come  are 
two  enemies.  This  speaketh  of  adulter)^ 
and  corruption,  of  covetousness  and  de- 
ceit ;  but  that  renounceth  these  things. 

7  We  cannot,  therefore,  be  the  friends 
of  both;  but  we  must  resolve  by  forsak- 
ing the  one,  to  enjoy  the  other.  And  we 
think  it  is  belter  to  hate  the  present 
things,  as  little,  short-lived,  and  corrupti- 
ble, and  to  love  tho,se  which  are  to  come, 
which  are  truly  good  and  incorruptible. 

8  For,  if  we  do  the  will  of  Christ,  we 
.shall  find  rest :  but  if  not,  nothing  shall 
deliver  us  from  eternal  punishment  if  we 
sliall  disobey  his  commands.  For  even  thus 
saith  the  Scripture  in  the  prophet  Eze- 
kiel,  'If  Noah,  Job  and  Daniel  should 
rise  up,  they  shall  not  deliver  their  chil- 
dren in  captivity. 

y  Wherefore,  if  such  righteous  men 
are  not  able  by  their  righteousness  to  de- 
liver their  children  ;  liow  can  we  hope  to 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  except  we 
keep  our  baptism  holy  and  undeliled.' 
Or  who  shall  be  our  advocate,  unless  we 
shall  be  found  to  have  done  what  is  lioly 
and  just .' 

10  Let  us,  therefore,  my  brethren,  con- 
tend with  all  earnestness,  knowing  that 
our  combat  is  at  hand ;  and  that  many  go 
long  voyages  to  encounter  for  a  corrupti- 
ble reward. 

11  And  yet  all  are  not  crowned,  but 
they  only  that  labor  much,  and  strive 
gloriously.  Let  us,  therefore,  so  con- 
tend, that  we  may  all  be  crowned.  Let 
us  run  in  the  straight  road,  the  race  that 
is  incorruptible :  and  let  us  in  great  num- 
bers pass  unto  it,  and  strive  that  we  may 
receive  the  crown.  But  and  if  we  cannot 
all  be  crowned,  let  us  come  as  near  to  it 
as  we  are  able. 

1 2  Moreover,  we  must  consider  that  he 
who  contends  in  a  corruptible  combat,  if 
he  be  found  doing  anything  that  is  not 
fair,  is  taken  away  and  scourged,  and  cast 
out  of  the  lists.  What  think^ye  then  that 
he  shall  suffer,  who  does  anything  that  is 
not  fitting  in  the  combat  of  immortality  ? 

1.3  Thus  speaks  the  prophet  concern- 
ing those  who  keep  not  their  seal :  "Their 
worm  shall  not  die,  and  their  fire  shall 
not  be  quenched  ;  and  they  shall  be  for  a 
spectacle  unto  all  flesh. 

14  Let  us  therefore  repent,  whilst  we 


t  Ezek.  xiv.  14,  20. 

88 


Isaiah,  Ixvi.  24. 


are  yet  upon  the  earth  ;  for  we  are  as  clay 
in  the  hand  of  the  artificer.  For  as  the 
potter,  if  he  make  a  vessel  and  it  be  turn- 
ed amiss  in  his  hands,  or  broken,  again 
forms  it  anew  ;  but  if  he  have  gone  solar 
as  to  throw  it  into  the  furnace  of  fire,  he 
can  no  more  bring  any  remedy  to  it. 

1.5  So  we,  Avhilst  we  are  in  this  world 
^  should  repent  with  our  whole  heart  for 
M'hatsoever  evil  we  have  done  in  the 
flesh ;  while  we  have  yet  the  time  of  re- 
pentance, that  we  may  be  saved  by  the 
Lord. 

16  For  after  we  shall  have  departed 
out  of  this  world,  we  .shall  no  longer  be 
able  either  to  confess  our  sins,  or  repent 
"  in  the  other. 

17  Wherefore,  brethren,  let  us,  doing 
the  will  of  the  Father,  and  keeping  our 
flesh  pure,  and  observing  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord,  lay  hold  on  eternal 
life  ;  for  the  Lord  saith  in  the  Gospel, 
'^If  yehave  notke.pt that  which  was  little, 
who  will  give  you  that  which  is  great  > 
For  I  say  unto  you,  he  that  is  faithful 
in  that  which  is  least,  is  faithful  also  in 
much. 

18  This,  therefore,  is  what  he  saith; 
keep  your  bodies  pure,  and  your  seal  with- 
out spot,  that  ye  may  receive  eternal  life. 

CHAP.  IV.' 

1  We  stiall  rise,  and  be  jud<;ed,  in  our  bodies  ;  there- 
fore we  must  live  well  in  them.  6  Tlint  we  ought 
for  our  own  interest,  to  live  well  :  though  few  seem 
to  mind  what  is  really  for  their  advantage.  10  and 
not  deceive  ourselves  :  seeing  God  will  certainly 
judge  us,  and  render  to  all  of  us  according  to  our 
works. 

AND  let  not  any  one  among  you  say, 
that  this  very  fle-sh  is  not  judge<i, 
neither  raised  up.  Consider  in  what  were 
ye  saved ;  in  what  did  ye  look  up,  if 
not  whilst  ye  were  in  this  flesh  .' 

2  We  must,  therefore,  keep  our  flesh 
as  the  temple  of  God.  For  in  like  man- 
ner as  ye  were  called  in  the  flesh,  ye  shall 
also  come  to  judgment  in  the  flesh.  >'  Our 
one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  has  saved  us, 
being  first  a  spirit,  was  made  flesh,  and 
so  called  us :  even  so  we  also  shall  in 
this  fle.sh  receive  the  reward. 

3  Let  us,  therefore,  love  another,  that 
we  may  attain  unto  the  kingdom  of  God. 
W^hilst  we  have  time  to  be  healed,  let  us 
deliver  up  ourselves  to  God  our  physi- 
cian, giving  our  reward  unto  him. 


V  Let  us  repent,     w  There.     ^  Luke,  xvi.  10,  12. 
T  MS.  Alex,  plane  sic  exhibit:  cii  Xpiroj. 


Of  the  resurrection 


II.  CORINTHIANS. 


and  judgment. 


4  And  what  reward  shall  we  give.' 
Repentance  out  of  a  pure  heart.  For  he 
knows  all  things  before  hand,  and  search- 
es out  our  very  hearts. 

5  Let  us,  therefore,  give  praise  unto 
him,  not  only  with  our  mouths,  but  with 
all  our  souls  ;  that  he  may  receive  us  as 
children.  *  For  so  the  Lord  hath  said  ; 
»  They  are  my  brethren,  who  do  the  will 
of  my  Father. 

6  IT  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  let  us  do 
the  will  of  the  Father,  who  hath  called 
us,  that  we  may  live.  Let  us  pursue  vir- 
tue and  forsake  wickedness,  which  lead- 
eth  us  into  sins  ;  and  let  us  flee  all  un- 
godliness, that  evils  overtake  us  not. 

7  For,  if  v/e  shall  do  our  diligence  to 
Jive  well,  peace  shall  follow  us.  ^  And. 
yet  how  hard  is  it  to  find  a  man  that  does 
this  .'  For  almost  all  are  led  by  human 
fears,  choosing  rather  the  present  enjoy- 
ments, than  the  future  promise. 

8  For  they  know  not  how  great  a  tor- 
ment the  present  enjoyments  bring  with 
them ;  nor  what  delights  the  future  pro- 
mise. 

9  And  if  they  themselves  only  did  this, 
it  might  the  more  easily  be  endured  ;  but 
now  they  go  on  to  infect  innocent  souls 
with  their  evil  doctrines;  not  knowing 
that  both  themselves,  and  those  that  hear 
them,  shall  receive  a  double  cojidemna- 
tion. 

10  IT  Let  us,  therefore,  serve  God  with 
a  pure  heart,  and  we  shall  be  righteous : 
but,  if  we  shall  not  serve  him,  because 
we  do  not  believe  the  promise  of  God,  we 
shall  be  miserable. 

1 1  For  thus  saith  the  prophet ;  ■■  Mis- 
erable are  the  double-minded,  who  doubt 
in  their  heart,  and  say,  these  things  have 
we  heard,  but  we  have  seen  none  of  them, 
though  we  have  expected  them  from  day 
to  day. 

12  0  ye  fools  !  compare  yourselves  to 
a  tree;  take  the  vine  for  an  example. 
First  it  sheds  it  leaves,  then  it  buds,  then 
come  the  sour  grapes,  then  the  ripe  fruit: 
even  so  my  people  has  borne  its  disorders 
and  afflictions,  but  shall  hereafter  receive 
good  things. 


z  Vox  6£tf  noil  est  in  MS.  ^  Matt.  xii.  50. 
b  For  this  cause,  we  cannot  find  a  man.  Aliter  Wen- 
del,  in  traduct.  lat.  q.  v.     <"  See  I  Clement,  chap.  x. 


1 3  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  let  us  not 
doubt  in  our  minds,  but  let  us  expect  with 
hope,  that  we  may  receive  our  reward : 
for  he  is  faithful,  who  has  promised  that 
he  will  render  to  every  one  a  reward  ac- 
cording to  his  works. 

14  If,  therefore,  we  sliall  do  what  is 
just  in  the  sight  of  God,  we  shall  enter 
into  his  kingdom,  and  shall  receive  the 
promises ;  ^  Which  neither  eye  has  seen, 
nor  ear  heard,  nor  have  entered  into  the 
heart  of  man. 

15  IT  Wherefore  let  us  every  hour  ex- 
pect the  kingdom  of  God  in  love  and 
righteousness ;  because  we  know  not  the 
day  of  God's  appearing. 

CHAP.  V. 

A  Fragment, 

Of  the  Lord's  Kingdom. 

1  *  *  *  epor  the  Lord  himself,  being 
asked  by  a  certain  person.  When  hi?  king- 
dom should  come  .'  answered.  When  two 
shall  be  one,  and  that  which  is  without 
as  that  which  is  within  ;  and  the  male 
with  the  female,  neither  male  nor  female. 

2  Now,  two  are  one,  when  we  speak 
the  truth  to  each  other,  and  there  is  (with- 
out hypocrisy)  one  soul  in  two  bodies  : 

3  And  thai  lohich  is  without  as  tliat 
which  is  within — He  means  this  ;  he  calls 
the  soul  that  which  is  within,  and  the 
body  that  which  is  without.  As  there- 
fore thy  body  appears,  so  let  thy  soul  be 
seen  by  its  good  works. 

4  And  the  male  unih  the  female,  neither 
male  nor  female — He  means  this ;  he  calls 
our  anger  the  male,  our  concupisence  the 
female. 

5  When,  therefore,  a  man  is  come  to 
such  a  pass,  that  he  is  subject  neither  to 
the  one  nor  the  other  of  these,  (both  of 
which,  through  the  prevalence  of  custom, 
and  an  evil  education,  cloud  and  darken 
the  reason,) 

6  But  rather,  having  dispelled  the  mist 
arising  from  them,  and  being  full  of 
shame,  shall  by  repentance  have  united 
botli  his  soul  and  spirit  in  the  obedience 
of  reason;  then,  as  Paul  says,  there  is  in 
us  neither  male  nor  female. 

d  1  Cor.  ii.  9.    e  Clem.  Rom.  ex  MS.  Regie,  i  E» 

Clem.  Alexundrin. 

89 


Preface  to 


BARNABAS. 


the  Episile. 


The  GENERAL  EPISTLE  of  BARNABAS. 


[Barnabas  was  a  companion  and  fellow-preacher  with  Paul.  This  epistle  lays  a  greater  claim  to  canonical 
authority  than  most  others.  It  has  been  cited  by  Clemens  Alexandrinus,  Origen,  Eusebius,  and  Jerome, 
and  many  ancient  Fathers.  Cotelerius  affirms  that  Orij;en  and  Jerome  esteemed  it  genuine  and  canoni- 
cal ;  but  Cotelerius  himself  did  not  believe  it  to  be  either  the  one  or  the  other  ;  on  the  contrary,  he 
supposes  it  was  written  for  the  benefit  of  the  Ebionites,  (the  christianized  Jews,)  who  were  tenacious 
of  rites  and  ceremonies.  Bishop  Fell  feared  to  own  expressly  what  he  seemed  to  be  persuaded  of,  that 
it  ought  to  be  treated  with  the  same  respect  as  several  of  the  books  of  the  present  canon.  Dr.  Ber- 
nard, Pavilian  professor  at  Oxford,  not  only  believed  it  to  be  genuine,  but  that  it  was  read  throughout, 
in  the  churches  at  Alexandria,  as  the  canonical  scriptures  were.    Bodwell  supposed  it  to  have  been 

Sublished  before  the  Epist  e  of  Jude,  and  the  writings  of  both  the  Johns.     Vossius,  Dapuis,  Dr.  Cave, 
ir.  Mill,  Dr.  S.  Clarke,  Whiston,  and  Archbishop  Wake,  also  esteemed  it  genuine  :  Menardus,  Arch- 
bishop Laud,  Spanheim,  and  others,  deemed  it  apocryphal.] 


CHAP.  I. 


Prelace  to  the  Epistle. 

ALL  happine.'^s  to  you,  my  sons  and 
daughters,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  loved  us,  in  peace. 

2  Having  perceived  abundance  of 
knowledge  of  the  great  and  '^  excellent 
''laws  of  God  to  be  in  you,  I  exceedine- 
ly  rejoice  in  your  blessed  and  admirable 
c  souls,  because  ye  have  so  worthily  re- 
ceived the  grace  which  was  ^  grafted  in 
you. 

3  For  which  cause  I  am  full  of  joy, 
hoping  the  rather  to  be  "^ saved;  inas- 
much as  I  truly  see  a  spirit  infused  into 
you,  from  the  '"pure  fountain  of  God  : 

4  Having  this  persuasion,  and  being 
fully  convinced  thereof,  because  that 
since  I  have  begun  to  speak  unto  you,  I 
have  had  a  more  than  ordinary  good  suc- 
cess in  the  way  of  the  ^law  of  the  Lord, 
which  is  in  Christ. 

5  For  Avhich  cause,  ^  brethren,  I  also 
think  verily  that  I  love  you  above  my 
own  soul :  because  that  therein  dwelleth 
the  greatness  of  faith  and  charity,  as  also 
the  hope  of  that  life  which  is  to  come. 

6  Wherefore  con.sidering  this,  that  if 
I  shall  take  care  to  communicate  to  you 
a  part  of  what  I  have  received,  it  shall 
turn  to  my  reward,  '  that  I  have  served 
such  good  souls ;  I  gave  diligence  to 
write  m  a  few  words  unto  you,  that  to- 
gether with  your  faith,  your  ''  knowledge 
also  may  be  perfect. 


aHonestarum.  b  jf.qnitatum,  AtKatcoftdrcov, 
righteous  judgments,  c  Spiritibus,  Disposition,  dj^at- 
ural :  Gr.  ijt<pvrov.  See  chap.  xix.  t)ji(pvrov  Sopcav 
6i(]ax>ii-  which  the  Lat.  Int.  renders,  Naturale  do- 
num  Doctrinse.  Conip.  Jam.  i.  21.  e  Liberari :  Gr. 
ut  videtur  acjdrjvai.  <  Honesto,  from  the  Gr.  Ka\rii. 
g  Conip.  Psalm  oxix.  .TJ.  viz  :  either  by  preaching  or 
fulfilling  the  same.  hVid.  Annot.  Vos.  in  loc.  i  Tal- 
jbus  spiritibus  servienti.     Usser.     k  Vvdaii. 

00 


7  There  are  therefore  three  '  things 
ordained  by  the  Lord  :  the  hope  of  life ; 
""  the  beginning,  and  the  completion  of  it. 

8  For  the  Lord  hath  both  declared 
unto  us,  by  the  prophets,  those  things 
that  "are  past,  and  "opened  to  us  the  be- 
ginnings of  those  that  are  to  come. 

9  Wherefore,  it  will  behove  us,  p  as 
he  has  spoken,  to  come  imore  holily, 
and  nearer  to  his  altar. 

10  I  therefore,  not  as  a  teacher,  but 
as  one  'of  you,  will  endeavour  to  lay 
before  you  a  few  things  by  which  you 
may,  »on  many  accounts,  become  the 
more  joyful. 

CHAP.  n. 

That  God  has  abolished  the  legal  sacrifices,  to  intro- 
duce the  spiritual  righteousness  of  the  Gospel. 

SEEING  then  the  days  are  exceeding 
evil,  and  the  adversary  has  got  the 
power  of  this  present  » world,  we  ought 
to  give  the  more  diligence  to  inquire  into 
the  "  righteous  judgments  of  the  Lord. 

2  ^Now  the  assistants  of  our  faith  are 
fear  and  patience :  our  fellow-combat- 
ants, long-suffering  and  continence. 

3  While  these  remain  pure  in  what 
relates  unto  the  Lord,  wisdom,  and  un- 
derstanding, and  science,  and  knowledge, 
rejoice  together  with  them. 

4  For  God  has  manifested  to  u.s,  by 
all  the  prophets,  that  he  has  no  occasion 
for  our  sacrifices,  or  burnt  offerings,  or 
oblations ;  saying  thus  :  '"  To  what  pur- 
pose is  the  multitude  of  )'^our  sacrifices 
unto  me,  saith  the  Lord. 


'  Aoy/iara  KVpty,  Constitutions  of  the  Lord.' 
m  Viz  :  faith  and  charity.  See  before,  n  Namely, 
which  we  are  to  believe.  "  That  is,  %vhich  are  to  be 
hoped  for,  and  end  in  love.  P  Given  us  to  know. 
q  Honestius  et  Altius  ;  the  most  honestly  and  h^hly. 
r  Like  yourselves.  =  In  many  things.  'Age.  "Equi- 
ties.    V  Comp.  Grsc.  Clem.  Alex,    w  Isaiah,  i.  11. 


Legal  sacrifices 


BARNABAS. 


abolished. 


5  1  am  full  of  the  burnt-offerings  of 
rams,  and  the  fat  of  "  fed  beasts ;  and  I 
delight  not  in  the  blood  of  bullocks,  or 
of  he-goats. 

6  J'  When  ye  come  to  appear  before 
me,  who  hath  required  this  at  your 
hands .'  Ye  shall  no  more  tread  my 
courts. 

7  Bring  no  more  vain  oblations ;  in- 
cense is  an  abomination  unto  me:  your 
new  moons  and  sabbaths,  the  calling  of 
assemblies,  I  cannot  away  with;  it  is 
iniquity,  even  the  solemn  meetings :  your 
new  moons  and  appointed  feasts  my  soul 
hateth. 

8  These  things  therefore  hath  God 
abolished,  that  the  new  law  of  ovir  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  which  is  without  the  yoke 
of  any  such  necessity,  might  have  the 
spiritual  offeiing  of  men  themselves. 

9  For  so  the  Lord  saith  again  to  those 
heretofore  :  ^  Did  I  at  all  command  your 
fathers  when  they  came  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt  concerning  burnt-offerings  or 
sacrifices  ? 

10  But  this  I  commanded  them,  say- 
ing, ^  Let  none  of  you  imagine  evil  in 
your  hearts  against  his  neighbour,  and 
love  no  false  oath. 

1 1  Forasmuch  then  as  we  are  not 
without  understanding,  we  ought  to  ap- 
prehend the  design  ^  of  our  merciful  Fa- 
ther ;  for  he  speaks  to  us,  being  willing 
that  we,  who  have  been  in  the  same 
error  about  the  sacrifices,  .should  seek 
and  find  how  to  approach  unto  him. 

12  And  therefore  he  thus  bespeaks 
us:  <^The  sacrifice  of  God  (is  a  broken 
spirit),  a  broken  and  contrite  heart  God 
will  not  despise. 

13  Wherefore,  brethren,  we  ought  the 
more  diligently  to  inquire  after  those 
things  that  belong  to  our  salvation,  that 
the  adversary  maj'  not  have  any  entrance 
into  us,  and  deprive  us  of  our  spiritual 
life. 

14  Wherefore  he  again  speak eth  to 
them,  concerning  these  things :  '^  Ye  shall 
not  fast  as  ye  do  this  day,  to  make  your 
voice  to  be  heafd  on  high. 

1 5  Is  it  such  a  fast  that  I  have  chosen  ? 
a  day  for  a  man  to  afflict  his  soul .'  ^  Is 
it  to  bow  down  his  head  like  a  bulrush, 
and  to  spread  sackcloth  and  ashes  under 
him  ?  Wilt  thou  call  this  a  fast,  and  an 
acceptable  day  to  the  Lord  .' 

X  Lambs,  y  Isaiah,  i.  12,  13, 14.  ^  Jer.  vii.  22,  23. 
a  Zach.  vii.  17.  ^Of  the  mercy  of  our  Father. 
c  Psalm  li.  17.     ^  Isaiah,  Iviii.  4.     «  Verse  5.  I 


16  But  to  us  he  saith  on  this  wise: 
'Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen, 
to  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness,  to 
undo  the  heavy  burdens,  and  to  let  the 
oppressed  go  free ;  and  that  ye  break 
every  yoke .' 

17  sis  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the 
hungry,  and  that  thou  bring  the  poor  that 
are  cast  out  to  thy  house  ?  When  thou 
.seeest  the  naked,  that  thou  cover  him, 
and  that  thou  hide  not  thyself  from  thine 
own  flesh  ? 

18  ''Then  shall  thy  light  break  forth 
as  the  morning,  and  thy  health  shall 
spring  forth  speedily ;  and  thy  righteous- 
ness shall  go  before  thee,  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  shall  be  thy  re-reward. 

19  '  Then  shalt  thou  call  and  the  Lord 
shall  answer;  thou  shalt  cry  and  he  shall 
say.  Here  I  am.  If  thou  put  away  from 
the  midst  of  thee  the  yoke,  the  putting 
forth  of  the  finger,  and  speaking  vanity; 
'  and  if  thou  draw  out  thy  soul  to  the 
hungry,  and  satisfy  the  afilicted  soul. 

20  In  this  therefore,  brethren,  God  has 
manifested  his  '  foreknowledge  and  mer- 
cy to  us ;  because  the  people  which  he 
has  purchased  to  his  beloved  Son  were 
to  believe  in  ""  sincerity  ;  and  therefore 
he  has  shewn  these  things  to  all  of  us, 
that  we  should  not  run  as  proselytes  to 
the  "  Jewish  Law. 

CHAP.  III. 

The  prophecies  of  Daniel  concerning  tlie  ten  kings, 
and  the  cominj  of  Christ. 

WHEREFORE  it  is  necessary  that 
.searching  diligently  into  those 
o  things  which  are  near  to  come  to  pa.ss, 
we  should  write  to  you  what  may  serve 
to  keep  )'ou  whole. 

2  To  which  end  let  us  flee  from  every 
evil  work,  and  hate  the  errors  of  the 
present  time,  that  we  may  be  p  happy  in 
that  which  is  to  come  : 

3  Let  us  not  give  ourselves  the  liberty 
of  disputing  with  the  wicked  and  sinners, 
lest  we  should  chance  in  time  to  become 
like  unto  them. 

4  For  the  consummation  of  i  sin  is 
come,  as  it  is  written,  as  the  prophet 
Daniel  says.  And  for  this  end  the  Lord 
hath  shortened  the  times  and  the  days, 
that  his  beloved  might  hasten  his  coming 
to  his  inheritance. 


f  Verse  G.  g  Verse  7.  b  Verse  8.  l  Verse  9. 
t  Verse  10.  1  Providence.  »"  Simplicity,  n  Their, 
o  Histanfibus  :  read  Istantibus.  P  Beloved,  q  Temp- 
tation.   Dan.  ix. 

91 


Prophecies  of  Daniel 


BARNABAS. 


concerning  ChrisU 


5  For  so  the  prophet  speaks :  ••  There 
shall  ten  kings  reign  in  the  earth,  and 
there  shall  rise  last  of  all  another  little 
one,  and  he  shall  humble  three  kings, 

6  And  again  Daniel  speaks  in  like 
manner  concerning  the  kingdoms  :  =  And 
I  saw  the  fourth  beast  dreadful  and  ter- 
rible, and  strong  exceedingly;  and  it  had 
ten  horns.  '  I  considered  the  horns,  and 
behold  there  came  up  among  them  an- 
other little  horn,  before  which  there  were 
three  of  the  first  horns  plucked  up  bj-  the 
roots. 

7  We  ought  therefore  to  understand 
this  also ;  and  I  beseech  you,  as  one  of 
your  own  brethren,  loving  you  all  be- 
yond my  own  life,  that  yoti  look  well  to 
yourselves,  and  be  not  like  to  those  who 
"  add  sin  to  sin,  and  say,  that  their  cove- 
nant is  ours  also.  Nay,  but  it  is  ours 
only ;  for  they  have  for  ever  lost  that 
which  Moses  received. 

8  For  thus  saith  the  Scripture:  'And 
Moses  continued  fasting  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  in  the  Mount ;  and  he  re- 
ceived the  covenant  from  the  Lord,  even 
the  two  tables  of  stone  written  by  the 
hand  of  God. 

9  But  having  turned  themselves  to 
idols  they  lost  it ;  as  the  Lord  also  said 
to  Moses :  Moses,  ™  go  down  quickly, 
for  thy  people,  which  Ihou  hast  brought 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  have  cor- 
rupted themselves,  and  turned  aside  from 
the  way  which  I  commanded  them. 
>:  And  Moses  cast  the  two  tables  out  of 
his  hands ;  and  their  covenant  was  bro- 
ken, that  the  love  of  Jesus  might  be 
sealed  in  your  hearts,  unto  the  hope  of 
his  faith. 

10  Wherefore  let  lis  give  heed  unto 
the  last  times ;  for  all  the  >'  time  past  of 
our  life,  and  our  faith,  will  profit  us  no- 
thing, unless  we  continue  to  hate  what 
is  evil,  and  to  withstand  the  future  temp- 
tations. So  the  Son  of  God  tells  us. 
Let  us  resist  all  iniquity  and  hate  it. 

1 1  Wherefore  consider  the  works  of 
the  evil  way.  '^  Do  not  withdraw  your- 
selves from  others,  as  if  you  were  already 
justified  ;  but  coming  altogether  into  one 
place,  inquire  what  is  agreeable  to  and 
profitable  for  the  beloved  of  God!  For 
the  Scripture  saith,  *Wo  unto  them  that 


r  Dan.  vii.  s  Verse  7.  t  Verse  8.  u  Heap  up  sins. 
V  Exod.  xxxi.  xxxiv.  «'  Exod.  xxxii.  7.  Deut.  ix. 
12.  31  Exod.  xxxii.  19.  yDays.  z  Heb.  x.  25. 
^  Vid.  Gr.  Clem.  Alex.  Isaiah,  x.  21. 


are  wise  in  their  own  eyes,  and  prudent 
in  their  own  sight. 

12  Let  us  become  spiritual,  a  perfect 
temple  to  God.  As  much  as  in  us  lies, 
let  us  meditate  upon  the  fear  of  God,  and 
strive  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  to  keep 
his  commandments,  that  we  may  rejoice 
in  his  righteous  judgments. 

13  For  God  will  judge  the  world  with- 
out respect  of  persons  ;  and  every  one 
shall  receive  according  to  his  works. 

14  If  a  man  shall  be  good,  his  right- 
eousness shall  go  before  him  :  if  wicked, 
the  reward  of  his  wickedness  shall  fol- 
low him. 

15  Take  heed  therefore,  lest  sitting 
still  now  that  we  are  called,  we  fall  asleep 
in  our  sins,  and  the  wicked  one  getting 
the  dominion  over  us,  stir  us  up,  ^  and 
shut  us  out  of  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord. 

16  Consider  this  also:  although  you 
have  seen  so  great  signs  and  wonders 
done  among  the  people  of  the  Jews,  yet 
this  notwithstanding  the  Lord  hath  for- 
saken them. 

17  Beware  therefore,  lest  it  happen 
to  us;  as  it  is  written,  ''There  be  many 
called,  but  few  chosen. 

CHAP.  VL 

That  Clirist  was  to  suffer,  proved  from  the  prophecies 
concerning  him. 

FOR  this  cause  did  our  Lord  vouch- 
safe to  give  up  his  body  to  destruc- 
tion, that  through  the  forgiveness  of  our 
.sins  we  might  be  .sanctified ;  that  is,  by 
the  sprinkhng  of  his  blood. 

2  Now  for  what  concerns  the  things 
that  are  written  about  him,  some  belong 
to  the  people  of  the  Jews,  and  some  to 
us. 

3  For  thus  saith  the  Scripture :  ^  He 
was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he 
was  bruised  for  our  iniquities,  and  by 
his  blood  we  are  healed.  He  was  led  as 
a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a  sheep 
before  his  .shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  opened 
not  his  mouth. 

4  Wherefore  we  ought  the  more  to 
give  thanks  unto  God,2'or  that  he  hath 
both  declared  unto  us  what  is  past,  '  and 
not  suffered  us  to  be  without  understand- 
ing of  those  things  that  are  to  come. 

5  But  to  them  he  saith,  f  The  nets  are 
not  unjustly  spread  for  the  birds. 

6  This  he  spake,  because  a  man  will 


b  Matt.  XXV.  7,  10.     c  Matt.  xxii.  14.    d  Isaiah,  liii. 
5,  7.    e  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon.  p.  21.    f  Prov.  i,  17. 


98 


Prophecies  concerning  BARNABAS. 

justly  perish,  if  having  the  knowledge 
of  the  way  of  truth,  he  shall  neverthe- 
less not  refrain  himself  from  the  way  of 
darkness. 

7  And  for  this  cause  the  Lord  was 
content  to  suffer  for  our  souls,  although 
he  be  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth ;  to 
whom  God  said  before  the  beginning  of 
the  world,  s  Let  us  make  man  after  our 
own  image  and  likeness. 

8  Now  how  he  suffered  for  us,  seeing 
it  was  by  men  that  he  underwent  it,  '■  I 
will  shew  you. 

9  The  prophets  having  received  from 
him  the  gift  of  prophecy,  spake  before 
concerning  him ; 

10  But  he,  that  he  might  abolish  death, 
and  make  known  the  resurrection  from 
the  dead,  was  content,  as.it  was  neces- 
sary, to  appear  in  the  flesh,  that  he  might 
make  good  the  promise  before  given  to 
our  fathers,  and  preparing  himself  a  new 
people,  might  demonstrate  to  them  while 
he  was  upon  earth,  that  after  the  resur- 
rection he  would  judge  the  world. 

11  And  finally  teaching  the  people  of 
Israel,  and  doing  many  wonders  and 
signs  among  them,  he  preached  to  them, 
and  shewed  the  exceeding  great  love 
which  he  bare  towards  them. 

12  And  when  he  chose  his  apostles, 
which  were  afterwards  to  publish  his 
Gospel,  he  took  men  who  had  been  very 
great  sinners ;  that  thereby  he  might 
plainly  shew,  'That  he  came  not  to  call 
the  righteous  but  sinners  to  repentance. 

1 3  Then  he  clearly  manifested  himself 
to  be  the  Son  of  God.  For  had  he  not 
come  in  the  flesh,  how  should  men  have 
been  able  to  look  upon  him,  that  they 
might  be  saved  .' 

14  Seeing  if  they  behold  only  the  sun, 
which  was  the  work  of  his  hands,  and 
shall  hereafter  cease  to  be,  they  are  not 
able  to  endure  .steadfastly  to  look  against 
the  rays  of  it. 

15  Wherefore  the  Son  of  God  came 
in  the  flesh  for  this  cause,  that  he  might 
fill  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquity,  who 
nave  persecuted  the  prophets  unto  death; 
and  for  the  same  reason  also  he  suf- 
fered. 

16  For  God  hath  said,  of  the  ■'stripes 
of  his  flesh,  that  they  were  from  them. 
And,  '  I  will  smite  the  shepherd,  and  the 
sheep  of  his  flock  shall  be  scattered. 

e  Gen.  i.  26.  h  JLearn.  i  MaU.  ix.  13.  k  Namely, 
from  the  Jews.    I  Zach.  xii.  6,  7. 


Chrisfs  sufferings. 


17  Thus  he  would  suffer,  because  it 
behoved  him  to  suffer  upon  the  cross. 
.  18  For  thus  one  saith,  prophesying 
concerning  him,  ""  Spare  my  soul  from 
the  sword.  And  again.  Pierce  my  flesh 
from  thy  fear. 

19  And  again.  The  congregation  of 
wicked  doers  rose  up  against  me,  "(They 
have  pierced  my  hands  and  feet). 

20  And  again  he  saith,  I  gave  my 
back  to  the  smiters,  °  and  my  cheeks  to 
be  buffeted,  and  my  face  I  set  as  an  hard 
rock. 

CHAP.  V. 

The  subject  continued. 

AND  when  he  had  fulfilled- the  com- 
mandment of  God,  what  says  he .' 
p  Who  will  contend  with  me .'  let  him 
stand  against  me  :  or  who  is  he  that  will 
implead  me .'  let  him  draw  near  to  the 
servant  of  the  Lord.  Wo  be  to  you ! 
"J  because  ye  shall  all  wax  old  as  a  gar- 
ment, the  moth  shall  eat  you  up. 

2  And  again  the  prophet  adds,  ■■  He  is 
put  for  a  stone  of  stumbling.  "Behold  I 
lay  in  Zion  for  a  foundation,  a  precious 
stone,  a  choice  corner-stone,  an  honour- 
able stone.  And  what  follows  .'  And  he 
that  hopeth  in  him  shall  live  for  ever. 

3  What  then  .'  Is  our  hope  built  upon 
a  stone  ?  God  forbid.  But  because  the 
Lord  hath  t  hardened  his  flesh  against 
sufferings,  he  saith,  "  I  have  put  me  as  a 
firm  rock. 

4  And  again  the  prophet  adds,  v  Xhe 
stone  which  the  builders  refused  is  be- 
come the  head  of  the  corner.  And  again 
he  saith,  '■•'  This  is  the  great  and  wonder- 
ful day  which  the  Lord  hath  made.  "  I 
write  these  things  the  more  plainly  to 
you,  that  ye  may  understand;  >' for  in- 
deed I  could  be  content  even  to  die  for 
your  sakes. 

5  But  what  saith  the  prophet  again  .' 
^  The  counsel  of  the  wicked  encompassed 
me  about.     ^They  came  about  me,  as 

m  According  to  the  L.xx.  Psalm  xxii.  20.  Psalm 
cxix.  120.  Psalm  xxii.  16,  17.  n  These  words  were 
doubtless  cited  thus  by  Burnabas,  because  that  with- 
out them,  those  foregoing  do  not  prove  the  (Crucifix- 
ion of  Christ.  But  through  the  repetition  of  the 
same  proposition,  this  latter  part  was  so  early  omit- 
ted, thut  It  was  not  in  the  Latin  interpreter's  copy. 
0  Isaiah,  1.  6.  p  Isaiah,  1.  8,  9.  q  Septuag.  I'lter! 
r  Isaiah,  viii.  14.  s  Isaiah,  xxxvii.  16.  t  Gr.  Put  iii 
strength,  or  strengthened,  u  Isaiah,  1.  7.  v  Psalm 
cxviii.  22.  w  Verse  24.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom,  v. 
X  This  is  not  in  the  Old  Latin  Version,  y  Vid.  Edit. 
Oxon.  p.  29.  a  fftpi'j/'iy/xa  riii  dydnris  vftfov.  z  Psalm 
xxii.  16.    a  Psalm  cxviii.  12. 

93 


The  scape-goal 


BARNABAS. 


typical  of  Christ. 


bees  about  the  honey-comb.  And,  ''Upon  1 
my  vesture  they  cast  lots.  I 

6  Forasmuch  then  as  our  Saviour  was 
to  appear  in  the  flesh,  and  sutler,  his 
passion  was  hereby  foretold. 

7  For  thus  saith  the  prophet  against 
Israel :  "  Wo  be  to  their  soul,  because 
they  have  taken  wicked  counsel  against 
themselves,  saying.  Let  us  ^lay  snares 
for  the  righteous,  because  he  is  unprofit- 
able to  us. 

8  Moses  also  in  like  manner  speaketh 
to  them :  ^  Behold  thus  saith  the  Lord 
God,  Enter  ye  into  the  good  land  of 
which  the  Lord  hath  sworn  to  Abraham, 
and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  that  he  would  give 
it  you,  and  possess  it;  a  land  flowing 
with  milk  and  hone)'. 

9  Now  what  the  spiritual  meaning  of 
this  is,  learn  :  "■  it  is  as  if  it  had  been 
said,  Put  your  trust  in  Jesus,  who  shall 
be  manifested  to  you  in  the  flesh.  For 
man  is  the  earth  which  suffers ;  foras- 
much as  out  of  the  s  substance  of  the 
earth  Adam  was  formed. 

10  What  therefore  does  he  mean  when 
he  say8.  Into  a  good  land  flowing  with 
milk  and  honey  ?  Blessed  be  our  Lord, 
who  has  given  us  wisdom,  and  a  heart 
to  understand  his  secrets.  For  so  says 
the  prophet,  ''  AVho  shall  understand  the 
hard  sayings  of  the  Lord  .'  '  But  he  that 
is  wise,  and  intelligent,  and  that  loves 
his  Lord. 

1 1  Seeing  therefore  he  has  renewed  us 
by  the  remission  of  our  sins,  he  has  "^  put 
us  into  another  frame,  that  we  should 
have  souls  '  like  those  of  children,  form- 
ing us  again  himself  "  by  the  spirit. 

12  For  thus  the  Scripture  saith  con- 
cerning lis,  "^  v.'here  it  introduceth  the  Fa- 
ther speaking  to  the  Son  :  °  Let  us  make 
man  after  our  likeness  and  similitude  ; 
and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the 
beasts  of  the  earth,  and  over  the  fowls 
of  the  air,  and  over  the  fish  of  the  sea. 

13  And  when  the  Lord  saw  the  man 
which  he  had  formed,  that  behold  he  was 
very  good,  he  said,  ^  Increase,  and  mul- 
tiply, and  replenish  the  earth.  And  this 
he  spake  to  his  Son. 

14  I  will  now  shew  you  how  he  made 
us  1  a  new  creature,  in  the  latter  days : 

b  Psalm  xxii.  18.  c  Isaiah,  iii.  9.  d  Bind.  eEx- 
od  xxxiii.  1.  f  Vid.  Cnisler.  Annot.  Marg.  exClem. 
Alex,  g  ripoiTtoTrtf.  h  Osee,  xiv.  ult.  i  Prov.  i.  6. 
k  Gr.  made  us  anotlier  form.  1  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon.  p. 
30,  b.  11  Vid.  Vet.  Lot.  Interp.  »  As  he  saith  to 
the  Son.  o  Gen.  i.  26.  Comp,  Coloss.  iii.  10.  pGen. 
i.  28.    q  Gr.  a  second  formation. 

94 


15  The  Lord  saith,  >■  Behold  I  will 
make  the  last  as  the  first.  Wherefore 
the  prophet  thus  spake :  '  Enter  into  the 
land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  and 
have  dominion  over  it. 

16  Wherefore  ye  see  how  we  are 
again  formed  anew ;  as  also  he  speaks 
by  another  prophet :  '  Behold,  saith  the 
Lord,  I  will  take  from  them,  that  is,  from 
those  whom  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fore- 
saw, their  hearts  of  stone,  and  I  will  put 
into  them  hearts  of  flesh. 

17  Because  he  was  about  to  be  made 
manifest  in  the  flesh,  and  to  dwell  in  us. 

18  For,  my  brethren,  the  habitation 
of  our  heart  is  a  "  holy  temple  unto  the 
Lord.  For  the  Lord  saith  again,  ^  In 
what  place  shall  I  appear  before  the  Lord 
my  God,  and  be  glorified  ? 

19  He  answers,  I  will  confess  unto 
thee  in  the  congregation  in  the  mid.st  of 
my  brethren ;  and  will  sing  unto  thee  in 
the  church  of  the  saints. 

20  Wherefore  we  are  they  whom  he 
has  brought  into  that  good  land. 

21  "But  what  signifies  the  milk  and 
honey  ■'  Because  as  the  child  is  nourished 
first  with  milk,  and  then  with  honey,  .so 
we  being  kept  alive  by  the  belief  of  his 
promises,  and  his  word,  shall  live  and 
have  dominion  over  the  land. 

22  For  he  foretold  above,  saying.  In- 
crease and  multiply,  and  have  dominion 
over  the  fishes,  &c. 

23  But  who  is  there  that  is  now  able 
to  have  this  dominion  over  the  wild 
beasts,  or  fishes,  or  fowls  of  the  air .' 
For  you  know  that  to  rule  is  to  have 
power,  that  a  man  should  be  set  over 
what  he  rules. 

24  But  forasmuch  as  this  we  have  not 
now,  he  tells  us  when  we  .shall  have  it ; 
namely,  when  we  shall  become  perfect, 
that  we  may  be  made  inheritors  of  th» 
covenant  of  the  Lord. 

CHAP.  VI. 

The  scnpe-gont  an  evident  type  of  this. 

UNDERSTAND  then,  my  beloved 
children,  that  the  good  God  hath 
before  manifested  all  things  unto  us,  that 
we  might  know  to  whom  we  ought  al- 
ways to  give  thanks  and  praise. 

2  If  therefore  the  Son  of  God,  who  is 


r  Isaiah,  xliii.  18,  19.  Matt.  xx.  16.  »  Comp.  Heb. 
iii.  t  Esck.  xi.  19.  u  So  St.  Paul,  1  Cor.  ii.  16,  17. 
vi.  19.  V  Psalm  xlii.  2.  w  Comp.  Hier.  in  Jer.  xxxii. 
32.  et  in  Jer.  xi.  5.     Add.  1  Pet.  ii.  2. 


Christ  typified 


BARNABAS. 


by  the  red  heifer. 


the  Lord  of  all,  and  shall  come  to  judge 
both  the  quick  and  dead,  hath  suffered, 
that  by  his  stripes  we  might  live,  let  us 
believe  that  the  Son  of  God  could  not 
have  suffered  but  for  us.  But,  being 
crucified,  they  gave  him  vinegar  and  gall 
to  drink. 

3  Hear  therefore  how  the  priests  of 
the  temple  did  foreshew  this  also  :  ^  the 
Lord  by  his  command  which  was  writ- 
ten, declared  that  whosoever  did  not  fast 
the  appointed  fast  he  ^'  should  die  the 
death :  because  he  also  was  himself  one 
day  to  offer  up  his  ^  body  for  our  sins ; 
that  so  the  type  of  what  was  done  in 
"  Isaac  might  be  fulfilled,  who  was  offered 
upon  the  altar. 

4  What  therefore  is  it  that  he  says  by 
the  prophet .'  •>  And  let  them  eat  of  the 
goat  which  is  offered  in  the  daj'  of  the 
last  for  all  their  sins.  Hearken  diligent- 
ly, (my  brethren,)  and  all  the  priests, 
and  they  only,  shall  eat  the  inwards,  not 
washed,  with  vinegar. 

5  Why  so  ?  Because  <=  I  know  that 
when  I  shall  hereafter  offer  my  flesh  for 
the  sins  of  a  new  people,  ye  will  give 
me  vinegar  to  drink  mixed  with  gall ; 
therefore  do  ye  only  eat,  the  people  fast- 
ing the  while,  and  lamenting  in  sackcloth 
and  ashes. 

6  And  that  he  might  foreshew  that  he 
was  to  suffer  for  them,  hear  then  how 
he  appointed  it. 

7  ''  Take,  says  he,  two  goats,  fair  and 
alike,  and  offer  them ;  and  let  the  high 
priest  take  one  of  them  for  a  burnt-offer- 
ing. And  what  must  be  done  with  the 
other  .'     Let  it,  says  he,  be  accursed. 

8  Consider  how  exactly  this  appears 
to  have  been  a  type  of  Jesus :  *  And  let 
all  the  congregation  spit  upon  it,  and 
prick  it,  and  put  the  scarlet  wool  about 
its  head  ;  and  thus  let  it  be  carried  forth 
into  the  wilderness. 

9  And  this  being  done,  he  that  was 
appointed  to  convey  the  goat,  led  it  into 
the  wilderness,  fand  took  away  the  scar- 
let wool,  and  put  it  upon  a  thorn-bush, 
whose  e  young  sprouts   when  we  find 


I  See  this  applied  after  the  same  manner,  Heb.  ix. 
y  Levit.  xxiii.  29.  z  The  vessel  of  his  spirit  a  Gen. 
xxii.  b  Numb.  xxix.  &c.  Vid.  Coteler.  in  Marg.  et 
Annot.  in  Lock.  Comp.  Observ.  Edit.  Oxon.  c  Vid. 
Annot.  Coteler.  in  loc.  J  Levit.  xvi.  Vid.  Maimon, 
Tract,  de  Die  Exp.  Edit,  du  Veil.  p.  350,  Add.  An- 
not Cotel  and  Ed.  Oxon.  in  loc.  e  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon. 
p.  40,  a.  41,  b.  f  Vid.  Maim.  ihid.  p.  34L  Comp.  An- 
not. Edit.  Oxon.  in  loc.  s  Vid.  Annot.  Isaac  Vcss. 
in  loc. 


them  in  the  field  we  are  wont  to  eat :  so 
the  fruit  of  that  thorn  only  is  sweet. 

10  And  to  what  end  was  this  cere- 
mony .'  Consider ;  one  was  offered  upon 
the  altar,  the  other  was  accursed. 

11  And  why  was  that  which  was  ac- 
cursed, crowned  ?  Because  they  shall 
see  Christ  in  that  day  having  a  scarJef 

f;arment  about  his  body,  and  shall  say, 
s  not  this  he  whom  we  crucified ;  hav- 
ing despised  him,  pierced  him,  mocked 
him  .'  Certainly,  this  is  he  who  then 
said  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God. 

12  ''As  therefore  he  shall  be  then  like 
to  what  he  was  on  earth,  so  were  the 
Jews  heretofore  commanded  to  take  two 
goats,  fair  and  equal;  that  when  they 
shall  see  (our  Saviour)  hereafter  coming 
(in  the  clouds  of  heaven),  they  may  be 
amazed  at  the  likeness  of  the  goats. 

1 3  Wherefore  '  ye  here  again  see  a 
type  of  Jesus,  who  was  to  suffer  .for  us. 

14  But  what  then  signifies  this,  That 
the  wool  was  to  be  put  into  the  midst  of 
the  thorns  ? 

15  This  also  is  a  figure  of  Jesus,  set 
out  to  the  church.  For  as  he  who  would 
take  away  the  scarlet  wool  must  undergo 
many  difficulties,  because  that  thorn  was 
very  sharp,  and  with  difficulty  get  it : 
^  So  they,  says  Christ,  that  will  see  me, 
and  come  to  my  kingdom,  must  through 
many  afflictions  and  troubles  attain  unto 
me.  ' 

CHAP.  VIL 

The  red  heifer,  another  type  of  Christ. 

BUT  what  '  type  do  ye  suppose  it  to 
have  been,  where  it  is  commanded 
"to  the  people  of  Israel,  that  grown  per- 
sons in  whom  sins  are  come  to  perfec- 
tion, should  offer  a  heifer,  and  after  they 
had  killed  it  should  burn  the  same ; 

2  But  then  young  men  should  take  up 
the  ashes  and  put  it  in  vessels,  and  tie  a 
piece  of  scarlet  wool  and  hyssop  upon  a 
a  stick,  and  so  the  young  men  should 
sprinkle  every  one  of  the  people,  and 
they  should  be  clear  of  their  sins .' 

3  Consider  how  all  these  are  delivered 
in  a  n  figure  to  us. 

4  This  heifer  is  Jesus  Christ;  the 
wicked  men  who  were  to  offer  it,  are 
those  sinners  who  brought  him  to  death, 
who  afterwards  have  no  more  to  do  with 


h  The  Greek  is  imperfect,  i  Vid,  Lat,  Ver.  k  See 
Acts,  xiv.  22.  '  Numb,  xixi  «n  That  this  was  also  a 
type  of  Christ,  see  Heb.  ix  13.  "  Vid.  Vet.  Lat.  In- 
terpr.  Simplicity,  Gr. 

95 


Of  (he  circumcision 


BARNABAS. 


of  the  ears. 


it ;  the  sinners  have  no  more  the  honour 
of  handling  of  it : 

5  But  the  young  men  that  performed 
the  sprinkling,  signify  those  who  preach 
to  us  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  the 
purification  of  the  heart,  to  whom  the 
Lord  gave  authority  to  preach  his  Gos- 
pel ;  being  at  the  beginning  twelve,  "  to 
signify  the  tribes,  because  there  were 
twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 

6  But  why  were  there  three  young 
men  appointed  to  sprinkle  ?  To  denote 
Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  because 
they  were  great  before  God. 

7  And  why  was  the  wool  put  upon  a 
p  stick  .'  Because  the  kingdom  of  Jesus 
was  founded  upon  the  i cross;  and  there- 
fore they  that  put  their  trust  in  him,  shall 
live  for  ever. 

8  But  why  were  the  wool  and  hyssop 
put  together  .'  To  signify  that  in  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  there  shall  be  evil 
and  filthy  days,  in  which  however  we 
shall  be  saved;  and  ■'because  he  that  has 
any  disease  in  the  flesh  by  some  filthy 
humours,  is  cured  by  hyssop. 

9  Wherefore  the.se  things  being  thus 
done,  are  to  us  indeed  evident,  but  to 
the  'Jews  they  are  obscure,  because  they 
hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 

CHAP.  VIII. 

Of  the  circumcision  of  the  ears  ;  and  how  in  the  first 
institution  of  circumcision,  Abraham  mystically 
foretold  Christ  by  name. 

AND  therefore  the  Scripture  again 
speaks  concerning  our  ears,  that 
God  has  circumcised  them,  together  with 
our  hearts.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  by 
the  holy  prophet:  'By  the  hearing  of  the 
ear  they  obeyed  me. 

2  And  again,  "  They  who  are  afar  off, 
shall  hear  and  understand  what  things  I 
have  done.  And  again,  ^Circumcise 
your  hearts,  saith  the  Lord. 

3  And  again  he  saith,  "^Hear,  0  Israel ! 
for  thus  saith  the  Lord  thy  God.  And 
again  the  Spirit  of  God  prophesieth,  say- 
ing, "  Who  is  there  that  would  live  for 
ever,  >"  let  him  hear  the  voice  of  my  Son. 

4  And  again,  ^Hear,  0  Heaven,  and 
give  ear,  0  Earth  !  because  the  Lord  has 
spoken  these  things  for  a  witness. 

5  And  again  he  saith,  "  Hear  the  word 


o  Gr.  to  testify,  p  Wood,  q  Vid.  Coteler.  in  loc. 
r  Them.  s  Septuag.  Psalms  xviii,  44.  ■  <  Isaidh 
xxxiii.  13.  uJer.  iv.  4.  vjcr.  vii.  2.  ^  Psalms 
Jixxii).  xxxiv.  xlsaiahl.  10.  y  Isaiah  i.  2.  zjsaiah. 
).  10.    a  Isaiah  xl.  3. 

96 


of  the  Lord,  ye  princes  of  the  people. 
And  again,  *>  Hear,  0  children !  The  voice 
of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness. 

6  Wherefore  he  has  circumcised  our 
ears,  that  we  should  hear  his  word,  and 
believe.  But  as  for  that  circumcision  in 
which  the  Jews  trust,  it  is  abolished. 
For  the  circumcision  of  which  God  spake 
was  not  of  the  flesh. 

7  But  they  have  transgressed  his  com- 
mands, because  the  evil  <=  one  hath  de- 
ceived them.  For  thus  God  bespeaks 
them  :  ^  Thus  saith  the  Lord  your  God, 
(Here  I  find  the  new  law,")  sow  not 
among  thorns;  but  circumcise  yourselves 
to  the  Lord  your  God.  And  what  doth 
he  mean  by  this  saying  ?  Hearken  unto 
your  Lord. 

8  And  again  he  saith,  'Circumcise  the 
hardness  of  your  heart,  and  harden  not 
your  neck.  And  again,  ''Behold,  saith 
the  Lord,  all  the  nations  are  uncircum- 
cised,  (they  have  not  lost  their  fore-skin) ; 
but  this  people  is  uncircumcised  in  heart 

9  But  you  will  say  •  the  JeAvs  are  cir- 
cumcised for  a  sign.  ''  And  so  are  all 
the  Syrians  and  Arabians,  and  all  the 
idolatrous  priests  ;  but  are  they  therefore 
of  the  covenant  of  Israel .'  And  even  the 
Egyptians  themselves  are  circumcised. 

10  Understand  therefore,  children, 
these  things  more  fully,  that  Abraham, 
who  was  the  first  that  brought  in  circum- 
cision, looking  forward  in  the  spirit  to 
Jesus,  circumcised,  having  received  the 
mystery  of  three  letters. 

11  For  the  Scripture  says  that  Abra- 
ham circumcised  three  hundred  and  eigh- 
teen men  of  his  hoase.  '  But  what  there- 
fore was  the  mystery  that  was  made 
known  unto  him  .' 

12  Mark,  first,  the  eighteen,  and  next 
the  three  hundred.  For  the  numerical 
letters  of  ten  and  eight  are  1  H  ;  and 
these  denote  Jesus. 

13  And  because  the  cross  was  that  by 
Avhich  we  were  to  find  grace,  therefore 
he  adds,  three  hundred ;  the  note  of 
which  is  T  (the  figure  of  the  cross). 
Wherefore  by  two  letters  he  signified 
Jesus,  and  by  the  third  his  cross. 

14  He  who  has  put  the  engrafted  gift 


b  Angel.  '  Jer.  iv.  3,  4.  d  .ler.  iv.  4.  «  Deut 
X.  16.  fThnt  people.  gVid.  Coteler.  in  loc. 
confer  Orig.  ad.  Rom.  cap.  ii.  25.  hThat  many 
others  of  tlie  ancient  Fathers  have  concurred  with 
liim  in  this  :  see  Coteler.  in  loc.  Add.  Eund.  p.  34.35, 
ibid  Ed.  Oxon.  in  loc.  An  instance  of  the  like  kind. 
See  Rev.  xiii  17,  18.  Add.  Annot.  D.  Bernard.  Edit. 
Oxon.  p.  125.     i  Genuine. 


Spiritual  meaning  of  BARNABAS. 

of  his  doctrine  within  us,  knows,  that  I 
never  taught  to  any  one  a  more  certain 
truth ;  but  I  trust  that  ye  are  worthy  of 
it. 

CHAP.  IX. 

That  the  commands  of  Moses  concerning  clean  and 
unclean  beasts,  &c.,  were  all  designed  tor  a  spiritual 
signification. 

BUT  why  did  Moses  say,  ^  Ye  shall 
not  eat  of  the  swine,  neither  the 
eagle,  nor  the  hawk,  nor  the  croM%  nor 
any  fish  that  has  not  a  .scale  upon  him .' 
I  answer,  that  in  the  spiritual  sense  he 
comprehended  three  doctrines,  that  were 
to  be  '  gathered  from  thence. 

2  Besides  which  he  says  to  them  in 
the  book  of  Deuteronomy,  And  I  will 
give  my  statutes  unto  this  people. 
Wherefore  it  is  not  the  command  of  God 
that  they  should  not  eat  these  things ; 
but  Mo.ses  in  the  spirit  .spake  unto  them. 

3  Now  the  sow  he  forbade  them  to 
eat ;  meaning  thus  much :  thou  shalt  not 
join  thyself  to  such  persons  as  are  like 
unto  swine ;  who  whilst  they  live  in 
pleasure,  forget  their  God,  but  when  any 
want  pinches  them,  then  they  know  the 
Lord :  as  the  sow  when  she  is  full  knows 
not  her  master ;  but  when  she  is  hungry, 
she  makes  a  noise,  and  being  again  fed, 
is  .silent. 

4  Neither,  saj^s  he,  shalt  thou  eat  the 
eagle,  nor  the  hawk,  nor  the  kite,  nor 
the  crow ;  that  is,  thou  shalt  not  keep 
company  with  such  kind  of  men  as  know 
not  how  by  their  labour  and  sweat  to  get 
themselves  food,  but  injuriously  ravish 
away  the  things  of  others,  and  watch 
how  to  lay  snares  for  them,  when  at  the 
same  time  they  appear  to  live  in  perfect 
innocence. 

5  ("1  So  these  birds  alone  seek  not  food 
for  themselves,  but)  sitting  idle  seek  how 
they  may  eat  of  the  flesh  which  others 
provided;  being  destructive  through  their 
wickedness. 

6  Neither,  says  he,  shalt  thou  eat  the 
lamprey,  nor  the  polypus,  nor  the  cuttle- 
fish :  that  is,  thou  shalt  not  be  like  such 
men,  by  using  to  converse  with  them, 
who  are  "  altogether  wicked  and  ad- 
judged to  death.  For  so  those  fishes  are 
alone  accursed,  and  wallow  in  the  mire. 


^  Thai  in  this  he  goes  on  the  received  opinion  of 
the  RR.  Vid.  Annot.  Coteler.  and  Ed.  Oxon.  in  loc. 
Levitic  xi  Deut.  xiv.  Add.  Ainsworth  on  Lev. 
xi.  I.  And  again  on  Deut.  xiv.  4.  !  In  the  under- 
itanding.  Dent.  iv.  ni  Vid.  Antiq.  Lat.  Vers 
B  Wickea  to  the  end. 


clean  and  unclean  beasts. 

nor  swim  as  other  fishes,  but  tumble  in 
the  dirt  at  the  bottom  of  the  deep. 

7  But  he  adds,  °  Neither  shalt  thou 
eat  of  the  hare.  To  what  end  .'  To  sig- 
nify this  to  us  :  p  Thou  shalt  not  be  an 
adulterer,  nor  liken  thyself  to  such  per- 
sons. For  the  hare  every  year  multiplies 
1  the  places  of  its  conception  ;  and  as 
many  years  as  it  lives,  so  many  ■'it  has. 

8  Neither  shalt  thou  eat  of  the  hyena : 
that  is,  again,  be  not  an  adulterer,  nor  a 
corrupter  of  others ;  neither  be  like  to 
such.  And  wherefore  so .'  =  Because  that 
creature  every  year  changes  its  kind,  and 
is  sometimes  male,  and  sometimes  female. 

9  For  which  cause  also  he  justly  hated 
the  weasel ;  to  the  end  that  they  should 
not  be  like  such  persons  who  with  their 
mouths  commit  wickedness,  by  reason 
of  their  uncleanness,  nor  join  themselves 
with  those  impure  women  who  with 
their  mouths  commit  wickedness.  *  Be- 
cause that  animal  conceives  with  its 
mouth. 

10  Moses  therefore,  speaking  as  con- 
cerning meats,  delivered  three  great  pre- 
cepts to  them  in  the  spiritual  .signification 
of  those  commands.  But  they  according 
to  the  desires  of  the  flesh,  understood 
him  as  if  he  had  only  meant  it  of  meats. 

11  And  therefore  David  took  arighr 
the  knowledge  of  his  three-fold  com- 
mand, .saying  in  like  manner, 

12  "Blessed  is  the  man  that  hath  not 
walked  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly, 
as  the  fi.shes  before  mentioned  in  the  bot- 
tom of  the  deep  in  darkne.-^s  ; 

13  Nor  stood  in  the  way  of  sinner.s, 
as  they  who  seem  to  fear  the  Lord,  but 
yet  sin,  as  the  sow; 

1 4  And  hath  not  sat  in  the  seat  of  the 
scorners,  as  those  birds  who  sit  and  watch 
that  they  may  devour. 

15  Here  you  have  the  law  concerning 
m&.at  perfectly  set  forth,  and  according  to 
the  trye  knowledge  of  it. 

16  But  says  Moses,  ^Ye  shall  eat  all 
that  divideth  the  hoof,  and  cheweth  the 
cud :  signifying  thereby  such  an  one  as 
having  taken  his  food,  knows  him  that 
nourisheth  him ;  and  resting  upon  him, 
rejoiceth  in  him. 


ogee  Coteler.  Annot.  in  loc.      p  Thou  shalt  not 
abuse    thyself   with    mankind.  q  A'06Sev<Ttv. 

■^  TpuTra;.  §  So  several  naturalists  have  affirmed, 
though  others  deny  it  —See  Annot.  Coteler.  in  loc 
t  Vid.  Arist.  apud  Euseb.  Prsp.  Evang.  L.  vii.  cap. 
9.  Add  Coteler.  in  loc.  u  Psalm  i.  1,  v  See  Edit: 
Ojion.  p.  64,  a.  So  Iren  adv.  Her.  I.  v.  c.  87. 

97 


Baptism  and 


BARNABAS. 


the  crosi 


17  And  in  this  he  spake  well,  having 
respect  to  the  commandment.  "What 
therefore  is  it  that  he  says .'  That  we 
should  hold  fast  to  them  that  fear  the 
Lord ;  with  those  who  meditate  on  the 
command  of  the  word,  in  their  heart ; 
with  those  that  declare  the  righteous 
judgments  of  the  Lord,  and  keep  his 
commandments ; 

18  In  short,  with  those  who  know 
that  to  meditate  is  a  work  of  pleasure, 
and  therefore  "  exercise  themselves  in  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

19  But  why  might  they  eat  those  that 
clave  the  hoof .'  Because  the  righteous 
liveth  in  this  present  world,  but  his  ex- 
pectation is  fixed  upon  the  other.  See, 
brethren,  how  admirably  Moses  com- 
manded these  things. 

2'  But  hdw  should  we  thus  know  all 
this,  and  understand  it .'  We  therefore 
understanding  ai-ight  the  commandments, 
speak  as  the  Lord  would  have  us. 
Wherefore  he  has  circumcised  our  ears 
and  our  hearts,  that  we  might  know 
these  things. 

CHAP.  X. 

Baptism  and  the  cross  of  Christ,  foretold  in  figures 
under  the  law. 

LET  us  now  inquire  whether  the  Lord 
took  care  to  manifest  anything  be- 
forehand concerning  water  and  the  cross. 

2  Now  for  the  former  of  these,  it  is 
written  to  the  people  of  Israel  how  they 
shall  not  receive  that  baptism  which 
brings  to  forgiveness  of  sins ;  but  .shall 
institute  another  to  themselves,  that 
cannot. 

3  For  thus  saitli  the  prophet :  sBe  as- 
tonished, 0  Heaven !  and  let  the  earth 
tremble  at  it,  because  this  people  have 
done  two  great  and  wicked  things :  they 
have  left  me,  a  fountain  of  living  water, 
and  have  digged  for  themselves  broken 
cisterns,  that  can  hold  no  water. 

4  Is  my  holy  mountain  ^  Zion  a  deso- 
late wilderness  .'  =>  For  ye  shall  be  as  a 
young  bird  when  its  nest  is  taken  away. 

5  And  again  the  prophet  saith,  ^  I  will 
go  before  thee,  and  will  make  plain  the 
mountains,  and  will  break  the  gates  of 
brass,  and  Avill  snap  in  sunder  the  bars 
of  iron;  and  will  give  thee  dark,  and 
hidden,  and  invisible  treasures,  that  they 
may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  God. 


"  Comp.  Clem.  Ale.x.  1.  iii.  c.  11,  et.  simil.  Orig. 
Theod.  &c.,  Coteler.  Annot.  in  loe.  x  Ruminate 
upon.  y  Jeremiah,  ii.  12-  z  Vid.  Annot.  Coteler. 
and  Ed.  Oxon.  in  loc.  a  Isaiah  .xvi.  1,  2.  b  Isaiah 
xlv.2. 

98 


6  And  again :  he  shall  dwell  <=  in  the 
high  den  of  the  strong  rock.  And  then, 
what  follows  in  the  same  prophet .'  His 
water  is  faithful :  ye  shall  see  the  king 
with  gloiy,  and  your  soul  shall  learn  the 
fear  of  the  Lord. 

7  And  again  he  saith  in  another  pro- 
phet :  He  that  does  these  things  <*  shall 
be  like  a  tree  which  is  planted  by  the 
currents  of  water,  which  shall  give  its 
fruit  in  its  season.  Its  leaf  also  shall 
not  wither,  and  whatsoever  he  doeth  it 
shall  prosper 

8  As  for  the  wicked,  it  is  not  so  with 
therh ;  but  they  are  as  the  dust  which 
the  wind  scattereth  away  from  the  face 
of  the  earth. 

9  Therefore  the  ungodly  shall  not 
stand  in  the  judgment,  neither  the  .sin- 
ners in  the  council  of  the  righteous.  For 
the  Lord  knovveth  the  way  of  the  right- 
eous, and  the  way  of  the  ungodly  shall 
perish. 

10  Consider  how  he  has  joined  both 
the  cross  and  the  water  together. 

1 1  For  this  he  saith  :  Blessed  are  they 
who  put  their  ti'ust  in  the  cross,  and  de- 
scend into  the  water ;  for  they  shall  have 
their  reward  in  due  time  :  then,  saith  he, 
will  I  give  it  them. 

12  But  concerning  the  present  time, 
he  saith,  their  leaves  shall  not  fall : 
meaning  thereby,  that  every  word  that 
shall  go  out  of  your  mouth  shall  through 
faith  and  charity  be  to  the  conversion 
and  hope  of  many. 

13  In  like  manner  doth  another  pro- 
phet speak  :  '  And  the  land  of  Jacob  was 
the  praLse  of  all  the  earth  ;  ""magnifying 
thereby  ethe  vessel  of  his  spirit. 

1 4  And  what  follows  ?  And  there  was 
a  river  running  on  the  right  hand,  and 
beautiful  trees  grew  up  by  it ;  and  he 
that  shall  eat  of  them  shall  live  for  ever. 
The  signification  of  which  is  this ;  that 
we  go  down  into  the  water  full  of  sins 
and  pollutions,  but  come  up  again  bring- 
ing forth  fruit,  having  in  our  hearts  the 
fear  and  hope  Avhich  is  in  Jesus,  by  the 
spirit.  And  whosoever  shall  eat  of  them 
shall  live  for  ever. 

15  That  is,  whosoever  shall  hearken 
to  those  who  call  them,  and  shall  believe, 
shall  live  for  ever. 


c  Isaiah  xxxiii.  16,  17.  J  Psalm  i.  e  Zeph.  iii.  20. 
f  For  tSto  Myei,  and  S,  the  old  Interpreter  did  not 
read  ;  and  Clemens  Alex.  lib.  iii  Strom,  p.  463,  tran- 
scribing this  passage,  hath  them  not.  gi.  e.  The 
body  of  Christ. 


foretold  under 


BARNABAS. 


the  law. 


CHAP.  XI. 


The  subject  continued. 

fN  like  manner  he  determines  concern- 
ing the  cross  in  ''another  prophet, 
saying,  And  when  shall  these  thinars  be 
fulfilled? 

2  The  Lord  answers,  When  the  tree 
that  is  fallen  shall  rise,  and  when  blood 
shall  drop  down  from  the  tree.  Here 
you  have  again  mention  made,  l.oth  of 
the  cross,  and  of  him  that  was  to  be  cru- 
cified upon  it. 

3  '  And  yet  farther  he  saith  by  Moses, 
(when  Israel  was  fighting  with,  and 
beaten  by,  a  stiange  people ;  to  the  end 
that  God  might  put ''  them  in  mind  how 
that  for  their  sins  they  were  delivered 
unto  death)  yea,  the  Holy  Spirit  put  it 
into  the  heart  of  Moses  to  represent  both 
the  sign  of  the  cross,  and  of  him  that 
was  to  suffer ;  that  so  they  might  know 
that  if  they  did  not  believe  in  him,  they 
should  be  overcome  for  ever. 

4  Moses  therefore  '  piled  up  armour 
upon  armour  in  the  middle  of  a  rising 
ground,  and  standing  up  high  above  all 
of  them  stretched  forth  his  arms,  and  so 
israsl  again  conquered. 

5  But  no  sooner  did  he  let  down  his 
hands,  but  they  were  again  slain.  And 
why  so  .'  To  the  end  they  might  know, 
that  except  they  trust  in  him  they  cannot 
be  saved. 

6  And  in  another  prophet,  he  saith, 
■^  I  have  stretched  out  my  hands  all  the 
day  long  to  a  people  disobedient,  and 
speaking  against  my  righteous  way. 

7  And  a^ain  Moses  makes  a  "  type  of 
Jesus,  to  shew  that  he  was  to  die,  and 
then  that  he,  whom  they  thought  to  be 
dead,  was  to  give  life  to  others ;  in  the 
» type  of  P  those  that  fell  in  Israel. 

8  For  God  caused  all  sorts  of  serpents 
lo  bite  them,  and  they  died,  forasmuch 
as  by  a  serpent  transgression  began  in 
Eve ;  that  so  he  might  convince  them 
that  for  their  transgressions  they  shall 
be  delivered  into  the  pain  of  death. 

9  Moses  then  himself,  who  had  com- 
manded them,  saying,  i  Ye  shall  not 
make  to  yourselves  any  graven  or  molten 
image,  to  be  your  God ;  yet  now  did  so 

h  Vid.  Oonject.  Edit.  Oxon.  Comp.  iv.  Esdr.  v.  4, 
et  Obs.  Ootel.  in  loc.  '  See  St.  H'er.  in  like  manner. 
Annot.  D  Bernard,  p.  124,  Edit.  Oxon.  Exod.  xvii. 
k  Tliat  were  so  beaten.  I  Again  set  them  in  array, 
being  armed.  Lat.  Vers,  m  Isaiah  Ixv.  2.  n  So 
Irensus,  Just.  Mart.,  St.  Chrysost.  &c.  Vid.  Edit. 
Oxon.  p.  77,  a.  °  Sign,  p  Israel  falling,  q  Deut- 
axvii.  15. 


himself,  that  he  might  represent  to  them 
the  figure  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

1 0  For  he  made  a  brazen  serpent,  and 
set  it  up  on  high,  and  called  the  people 
together  by  a  proclamation;  Avhere  being 
come,  they  entreated  Moses  that  he 
would  make  an  atonement  for  them,  and 
pray  that  they  might  be  healed. 

1 1  Then  Moses  spake  unto  them,  saj'- 
ing.  When  any  one  among  you  shall  be 
bitten,  let  him  come  unto  the  serpent  that 
is  set  upon  the  pole ;  and  let  him  assur- 
edly trust  in  him,  that  though  he  be  dead, 
yet  he  is  able  to  give  life,  and  presently 
he  shall  be  saved  ;  and  so  they  did.  See 
therefore  how  here  also  you  have  in  this 
the  glory  of  Jesus  ;  and  that  --in  him  and 
to  him  are  all  things. 

12  Again,  what  says  Moses  to  Jesus 
the  Son  of  Nun,  Avhen  he  gave  that  name 
unto  him,  as  being  a  prophet,  that  all  the 
people  might  hear  him  alone,  'because 
the  Father  did  manifest  all  things  con- 
cerning his  Son  Jesus,  in  '  Jesns  the  Son 
of  Nun,  and  gave  him  that  name  when 
he  sent  him  to  spy  out  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan .'  "  He  said,  "Take  a  book  in  tliine 
hands,  and  write  what  the  Lord  saith ; 
forasmuch  as  Jesus  the  Son  of  God  shall 
in  the  last  days  cut  oft"  by  the  roots  all 
the  house  of  Amalek.  See  here  again 
Jesus,  not  the  son  of  man,  but  the  Son 
of  God,  made  manifest  in  a  type  and  in 
the  flesh. 

13  But  because  it  might  hereafter  be 
said,  that  Christ  was  the  Son  of  David ; 
''  therefore  David  fearing  and  well  know- 
ing the  errors  of  the  wicked,  saith :  "  The 
Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  sit  thou  on  my 
right  hand,  until  I  make  thine  enemies 
thy  footstool. 

14  And  again  Isaiah  speaketh  on  this 
wise :  The  Lord  said  unto  ^  Christ  my 
Lord,  I  have  laid  hold  on  his  right  hand, 
that  the  nations  should  obey  before  him, 
and  I  will  break  the  strength  of  kings. 

15  Behold  how  both  ^David  and  Isaiah 
call  him  Lord,  and  the  Son  of  God. 

CHAP.  XII. 

The  promise  of  God  not  made  to  the  Jews  only,  but 
to  the  Gentiles  also,  and  fulfilled  to  us  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

BLTT  let  us  go  yet  farther,  and  inquire 
whether  this  people  be  the  heir,  or 


r  Rom.  xi.  36.  s  Deut,  xviii.  1.5.  18.  t  So  the 
other  Fathers.  Just.  Mart.  &c.  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon. 
p.  79.  u  Vid.  Interp.  Vet.  Lat.  Exod.  xvii.  li. 
Comp.  Vet.  Lat.  Interp.  w  Psalm  ex,  1.  ^  Vid. 
nnot.  Coteler.  in  loc.  Edit.  Oxon.  page  78,  ^saiah 
V.  1,     y  Comp.  Vet.  Lat.  Interp. 

99 


God's  promises  matle  BARNABAS. 


to  the  Gentiles. 


the  former;  and  whether  the  covenant 
be  with  us,  or  with  them. 

2  And  first,  as  concerning  the  people, 
hear  now  what  the  Scripture  saith. 

3  ^  Isaac  prayed  for  his  wife  Rebekah, 
because  .she  was  barren  ;  and  she  con- 
ceived. Afterwards  Rebekah  went  forth 
to  inquire  of  the  Lord. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  her :  There 
are  two  nations  in  XYiy  womb,  and  two 
people  shall  come  from  thy  body ;  and 
the  one  shall  have  power  over  the  other, 
and  the  greater  shall  serve  the  lesser. 
Understand  here  who  was  Isaac ;  who 
Rebekah ;  and  of  whom  it  was  foretold, 
that  this  people  should  be  greater  than 
that. 

5  And  in  another  prophecy  Jacob 
speaketh  more  clearly  to  his  son  Joseph, 
saying,  ^  Behold  the  Lord  hath  not  de- 
prived me  of  seeing  thy  face,  bring  me 
thy  sons  that  I  may  bless  them.  And 
he  brought  unto  his  father  ''Manasseh 
and  Ephraim,  desiring  that  he  should 
bless  Manasseh,  because  he  was  the 
elder. 

6  Therefore  Joseph  brought  him  to 
the  right  hand  of  his  father  Jacob.  But 
Jacob  by  the  spirit  foresaw  the  figure  of 
the  people  that  was  to  come. 

7  And  what  saith  the  Scripture  .'  And 
Jacob  crossed  his  hands,  and  put  his  right 
hand  upon  Ejihraim,  his  second  and  the 
younger  son,  and  blessed  him.  And  Jo- 
seph said  unto  Jacob,  Put  thy  right  hand 
upon  the  head  of  Manasseh,  for  he  is  my 
first-born  son.  And  Jacob  said  unto 
Joseph,  I  know  it,  my  son,  I  know  it; 
but  the  greater  shall  serve  the  lesser, 
though  he  also  shall  be  blessed. 

8  Ye  see  of  whom  he  appointed  it, 
that  they  should  be  the  first  people,  and 
heirs  of  the  covenant. 

9  If  therefore  God  shall  have  yet  far- 
ther taken  notice  of  this  by  Abraham 
too,  our  understanding  of  it  will  then  be 
perfectly  establi.shed. 

10  What  then  saith  the  Scripture  to 
Abraham,  when  he  ■=  believed,  and  it  was 
imputed  unto  him  for  righteousness .'  Be- 
hold I  have  made  thee  a  father  of  the 
nations,  which  without  circumcision  be- 
lieve in  the  Lord, 

11  Let  us  therefore  now  inquire,  whe- 


ther God  has  fulfilled  the  covenant  which 
he  sware  to  our  fathers,  that  he  would 
give  this  people  .'  Yes,  verily,  he  gave 
it ;  but  they  were  not  worthy  to  receive 
it  by  reason  of  their  sins. 

12  For  thus  saith  the  prophet:  ""And 
Moses  continued  fasting  in  Mount  Sinai, 
to  receive  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  with 
the  people,  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

]  3  "  And  he  received  of  the  Lord  two 
tables  written  with  the  finger  of  the  Lord's 
hand  in  the  Spirit.  And  JNIoses  when 
he  had  received  them  brought  them  down 
that  he  might  deliver  them  to  the  people. 

1 4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  : 
f  Moses,  Moses,  get  thee  down  quickly, 
for  the  people  which  thou  broughte.st 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  have  done 
wickedly. 

1.5  And  Moses  understood  that  they 
had  again  set  up  a  molten  image;  and 
he  cast  the  two  tables  out  of  his  hands, 
and  the  tables  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  were  broken.  Moses  therefore  re- 
ceived them,  but  they  were  not  worthy. 

16  Now  then  learn  how  we  have  re- 
ceived them.  Moses,  being  a  servant, 
took  them  ;  but  the  Lord  himself  has 
given  them  unto  us,  that  we  migft  be 
the  people  of  his  inheritance,  having 
suffered  for  us. 

17  He  was  therefore  made  manifest; 
that  they  should  fill  up  the  measure  of 
their  sins,  and  that  we  £  being  made  heirs 
by  him,  should  receive  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord  Jesus. 

18  And  again  the  prophet  saith  •  ''  Be- 
hold, I  have  set  thee  for  a  light  unto  the 
Gentiles,  to  be  'the  saviour  of  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  saith  the  Lord  the  God 
who  hath  redeemed  thee. 

19  Who  for  that  very  end  was  pre- 
pared, that  by  his  own  appearing  he 
might  redeem  our  hearts,  already  devour- 
ed by  death,  and  delivered  over  to  the 
irregularity  of  error,  from  darkness ;  and 
establish  a  covenant  with  us  by  liis  word. 

20  For  so  it  is  written,  that  the  Fa- 
ther commanded  him  by  delivering  us 
from  darkness,  to  prepare  unto  himself  a 
holy  people. 

21  Wherefore  the  prophet  .saith :  ^  I 
the  Lord  thy  God  have  called  thee  in 
righteousness ;  and  I  will  take  thee  by 
thy  hand  and  will  strengthen  thee.    And 


z  Gen.  XXV.  21.  Comp.  St.  Paul,  Rom.  ix.  Just 
Mart.,  Tert.  &c.  Vid.  Ed.  Oxon.  p.  81.  a.  a  Gen' 
xlvii.  b  Vid.  Lat.  Interp-  Vet.  c  Gen.  xv.  6.  So. 
St.  Paul  himself  uuplies  this  ,  Rora.  iv.  3. 

100 


dExod.  xxiv.  18.        e  0eut.  ix.  10.     Exod.  xxxiii. 
18.     f  Exod.  xxxii.  7.     Deut.ix.  12.     sVid.  Lat.  In- 
terp. Vet.      h  Isaiah  xlix.  7.       »  For  salvation  unto. 
I  k  Isaiah  xiii.  6. 


Jewish  sabbath 


BARNABAS. 


typical. 


give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people, 
for  a  light  of  the  Gentiles.  'To  open 
the  eyes  of  the  blind,  to  bring  out  the 
prisoners  from  the  prison,  and  them  that 
sit  in  darkness  out  of  the  prison-house. 

22  Consider  therefore  from  whence 
we  have  been  redeemed.  And  again  the 
prophet  saith :  "  The  spirit  of  the  Lord 
is  upon  me ;  he  hath  sent  me  to  preach 
glad  tidings  to  the  lowly;  to  heal  the 
broken  in  heart ;  to  preach  remission  to 
the  captives,  and  sight  unto  the  blind ; 
to  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  day  of  restitution ;  to  com- 
fort all  ihat  mourn. 

CHAP.  Xlll. 

That  tlie  subbath  of  the  Jews  was  but  a  figure  of  a 
more  glorious  sabbath  to  come,  and  their  temple, 
of  the  spiritual  temples  of  God. 

FURTHERMORE  it  is  written  con- 
cerning the  sabbath,  in  the  Ten" 
Commandments,  which  God  spake  in  the 
mount  Sinai  to  Moses,  "  face  to  face  : 
Sanctify  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  with 
pure  hands,  and  with  a  clean  heart. 

2  And  elsewhere  he  saith ;  i'  If  thy 
children  shall  keep  my  sabbaths,  then 
will  I  put  my  mercy  upon  them. 

3  And  even  in  the  beginning  of  the 
creation  he  makes  mention  of  the  sab- 
bath, "i  And  God  made  in  six  days  the 
works  of  his  hands ;  and  he  finished 
them  on  the  ■■  seventh  day,  and  he  rested 
the  seventh  day,  and  .sanctified  it. 

4  Consider,  my  children,  what  that 
signifies,  he  finished  them  in  six  days. 
The  meaning  of  it  is  this;  that  in  ^ six 
thousand  years  the  Lord  God  will  bring 
all  things  to  an  end. 

5  For  with  him  one  day  is  a  thousand 
years  :  as  himself  testifieth,  saying,  Be- 
hold this  day  shall  be  as  a  thousand 
years.  Therefore,  children,  in  six  days, 
that  is,  in  six  thousand  years  shall  *all 
things  be  accomplished. 

6  And  what  is  that  he  saith.  And  he 
rested  the  seventh  day  :  he  meaneth  this; 
that  when  his  Son  shall  come,  and  abol- 
ish the  season  of  the  "  Wicked  One,  and 
judge  the  ungodly  ;  and  shall  change  the 
sun  and  the  moon,  and  the  stars ;  then 


1  Verse  T.  '"  Isaiah  xli.  1,  2.  Comp.  Luke  iv.  18. 
n  Words,  o  Exod.  x.\.  8.  p  Jer.  xvii.  2^.  q  Gen. 
li.  2.  Exod.  XX.  11,  .\xxi.  17.  r  Vid.  Cotel.  Annot. 
in  loc.  5  How  general  this  tradition  then  was.  See 
Coteler.  Annot.  in  loc.  Edit.  Oxon.  page  90,  a.  Psalm 
Ixxxix.  *  That  is,  to  the  time  of  the  Gospel,  says 
Dr.  Bernard,  q.  v.  Annot.  p.  127,  Ed,  Oxon.  n  So 
the  Lat.  Vers. 


he  shall  gloriously  rest  in  that  seventh 
day. 

7  He  adds  lastly  ;  Thou  shalt  sanctify 
it  with  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart. 
Wherefore  we  are  greatly  deceived  if 
we  imagine  that  any  one  can  now  sanc- 
tify that  day  which  God  has  made  holy, 
without  having  a  heart  pure  in  all  things. 

8  Behold  therefore  he  will  then  truly 
sanctify  it  with  blessed  rest,  when  we 
(having  received  the  righteous  promise, 
when  iniquity  shall  be  no  more,  all  things 
being  renewed  by  the  Lord)  shall  he  be 
able  to  sanctify  it,  being  ourselves  first 
made  holy. 

9  Lastly,  he  saith  unto  them  :  "  Your 
new  moons  and  your  sabbaths  I  cannot 
bear  them.  Consider  what  he  means  by 
it ;  the  sabbaths,  says  he,  which  ye  now 
keep  are  not  acceptable  unto  me,  but 
those  which  I  have  made  ;  when  resting 
from  all  things  I  shall  begin  "  the  eighth 
day,  that  is,  the  beginning  of  the  other 
world. 

10  For  which  cause  we  observe  the 
eighth  day  with  gladness,  in  which  Jesus 
rose  from  the  dead  ;  and  having  mani- 
fested himself  to  his  disciples,  ascended 
into  heaven. 

1 1  n  It  remains  yet  that  I  speak  to  you 
concerning  the  temple :  how  those  mis- 
erable men  being  deceived  have  put  their 
trust  in  the  "  house,  and  not  in  God  him- 
self who  made  them  ;  as  if  it  were  the 
habitation  of  God. 

1 2  For  much  after  the  same  mannef 
as  the  Gentiles,  they  consecrated  him  in 
the  temple. 

13  But  learn  therefore  how  the  Lord 
speaketh,  rendering  the  temple  vain : 
y  Who  has  measured  the  heaven  with  a 
span,  and  the  earth  with  his  hand.'  Is 
it  not  I .'  Thus  saith  the  Lord.  ^  Hea- 
ven is  my  throne,  and  the  earth  is  my 
footstool.  What  is  the  house  that  ye 
will  build  me  .'  Or  what  is  the  place  of 
my  rest .'  Know  therefore  that  all  their 
hope  is  vain. 

14  And  again  he  speaketh  after  this 
manner :  Beliold  they  that  destroy  this 
teiTiple,  even  they  shall  again  build  it  up. 
And  so  it  came  to  pass  ;  for  through  their 
wars  it  is  now  destroyed  by  their  ene- 
mies ;  and  the  .servants  of  their  enemies 
build  it  up. 

15  Furthermore,    it   has   been    made 

^  Isaieh  i.  13.  w  go  the  other  Fathers,  q.  v.  apud 
Coteler.  Annot.  In  loc.  p.  36.  i  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon.  et 
Vet.  Lat.  iDterp.     y  Isaiah  il.  12.    «  Isaiah  xlvi.  1. 

101 


The  temple 


BARNABAS. 


typical. 


manifest,  how  both  the  city  and  the  tem- 
ple, and  the  people  of  Israel  should  be 
given  up.  For  the  Scripture  saith ;  »And 
It  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days, 
that  the  Lord  will  deliver  up  the  sheep 
of  his  pasture,  and  their  fold,  and  their 
tower  unto  destruction.  And  it  is  come 
to  pass,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

16  Let  us  inquire  therefore,  whether 
there  be  any  temple  of  God  ?  Yes  there 
is :  and  that  there,  where  himself  declares 
that  he  would  both  make  and  perfect  it. 
For  it  is  written  ;  ''And  it  shall  be  that  as 
soon  as  the  week  shall  be  completed,  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  shall  be  gloriously 
built  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

17  I  find  therefore  that  there  is  a  tem- 
ple,. But  how  shall  it  be  built  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  ?     I  will  show  you. 

18  Before  that  we  believed  in  God, 
the  habitation  of  our  heart  was  corrupti- 
ble and  feeble,  as  a  temple  tiuly  built 
with  hands. 

19  For  it  was  a  house  full  of  idolatry, 
a  house  of  devils  ;  inasmuch  as  there  was 
done  in  it  whatsoever  was  contrary  unto 
God.  But  it  shall  be  built  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord. 

20  Consider,  how  that  the  temple  of 
the  Lord  shall  be  very  gloriously  built ; 
and  by  what  means  that  shall  be,  learii. 

21  Having  received  remission  of  our 
sins,  and  trusting  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  we  are  become  renewed,  being 
again  created  as  it  were  from  the  begin- 
ning. Wherefore  God  truly  dwells  in 
our  house,  that  is,  in  us. 

22  But  how  does  he  dwell  in  us .'  The 
word  of  his  faith,  the  callLiig  of  his  j^ro- 
mise,  the  wisdom  of  his  righteous  judg- 
ments, the  commands  of  his  doctrine  ;  he 
himself  prophecies  within  us,  he  himself 
dwelleth  in  us,  and  openeth  to  us  who 
were  in  bondage  of  cleath  the  gate  of 
"^  our  temple,  that  is,  "^  the  mouth  of  wis- 
dom, having  given  repentance  unto  us ; 
and  by  this  means  has  brought  us  to  be 
an  incorruptible  temple. 

23  He  therefore  that  desires  to  be 
saved  looketh  '^  not  unto  the  man,  but 
unto  him  that  dwelleth  in  him,  and  speak- 
etli  by  him  ;  being  struck  with  wonder, 
forasmuch  as  he  never  either  heard  him 
speaking  such  words  out  of  his  mouth, 
nor  ever  desired  to  hear  them. 

24  This  is  that  spiritual  temple  that  is 
huilt  unto  the  Lord. 


CHAP.  XIV. 


of  the  way  of  light ;  being  a  summary  of  what  a 
Christian  is  to  do,  that  he  may  be  happy  for  ever. 

AND  thus  I  trust,  I  have  declared  to 
you  as  much,  and  with  as  great 
simplicity  as  I  could,  those  things  which 
make  for  your  salvation,  so  as  not  to 
have  omitted  any  thing  that  might  be  re- 
quisite thereunto. 

2  For  should  I  speak  farther  of  the 
things  that ''  now  are,  and  of  those  that 
are  to  come,  you  would  not  yet  under- 
stand them,  seeing  they  lie  in  parables. 
This  therefore  shall  suffice  as  to  these 
things. 

3  Let  us  now  go  on  to  the  other  kind 
of  knowledge  and  doctrine.  There  are 
two  ways  of  doctrine  and  power  ;  the  one 
of  light,  the  other  of  darkness. 

4  But  there  is  a  great  deal  of  difference 
between  these  two  ways  :  for  over  one 
are  appointed  the  '  angels  of  God,  the 
leader.s  of  the  way  of  light ;  over  the 
other  the  angels  of  Satan.  And  the  one 
is  the  Lord  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing ;  the  other  is  the  prince  of  the  time 
of  unrighteousness. 

5  Now  the  way  of  light  is  this,  if  any 
one  desiies  to  attain  to  the  place  that  is 
appointed  for  him,  and  will  liastcn  thith- 
er by  his  works.  And  the  knowledge 
that  has  been  given  to  us  for  walking  in 
it,  is  to  this  etTect :  Thou  shall  love  him. 
that  made  thee :  thou  shalt  glorify  him 
that  hath  redeemed  thee  from  death. 

6  Thou  shalt  be  simple  in  heart,  and 
rich  in  the  spirit.  Thou  shalt  not  cleave 
to  those  that  walk  in  the  way  of  death. 
Thou  shalt  hate  to  do  any  thing  that  is 
not  pleasing  unto  God.  Thou  shalt  ab- 
hor all  dissimulation.  Thou  shalt  not 
neglect  any  of  the  commands  of  the 
Lord. 

7  Thou  shalt  not  exalt  thyself,  but 
shalt  be  humble.  Thou  shalt  not  lake 
honor  to  thyself.  Thou  shalt  not  enter 
into  any  wicked  counsel  against  thy 
neighbour.  Thou  shalt  not  be  over-con- 
fident in  thy  heart. 

8  Thou  shalt  not  commit  fornication, 
nor  adultery.  Neither  shaft  thou  corrupt 
thyself  with  mankind.  Thou  shalt  not 
make  use  of  th3  word  of  God,  to  any 
impurity. 

9  Thou  shalt  not  accept  any  man's 
person,  when  thou  leprovest  any  one's 
faults.      Thou  shalt  be  gentle.      Thou 


»  Zeph.  ii.  6.  juxt.  Heb. 
c  Viil.  Lat.  Vet.  Interp. 

103 


b  Dun.  i.x.      Hiiggai,  ii. 


*  So  the  old  hat.  Interp, 
Basil,  in  P^,alm  i. 


e  Vid.  Coteler.  in  loo.  e\ 


Way  of  light 


BARxNABAS. 


to  a  Christian. 


shall  be  quiet.  Thou  shall  Iremble  at  Ihe 
words  which  Ihou  hast  heard.  Thou 
shall  not  keep  any  hatred  in  thy  heart 
against  thy  brother.  Thou  shall  noi  en- 
tertain any  doubt  whether  it  shall  be,  or 
not. 

10  Thou  shall  not  take  the  name  of 
the  Lord  in  vain.  Thou  shall  love  thy 
neighbour  above  thy  own  soul. 

11  Thou  shall  not  destroy  thy  concep- 
tions before  ihey  are  brought  forth  ;  nor 
kill  them  after  they  are  born. 

12  Thou  shall  not  withdraw  thy  hand 
from  thy  son,  or  from  thy  daughter ;  but 
shall  leach  them  from  their  youth  the 
fear  of  the  Lord. 

13  Thou  shall  not  covet  thy  neighbor's 
goods ;  neither  shall  thou  be  'an  extor- 
tioner. Neither  shall  thy  heart  be  joined 
to  proud  men  ;  but  thou  shall  be  num- 
bered among  the  righteous  and  the  lowly. 
Whatever  s  events  shall  happen  unto 
thee,  thou  shall  receive  them  as  good. 

14  Thou  shall  not  be  double-minded, 
or  double-tongued  ;  for  a  double  tongue 
is  the  snare  of  death.  Thou  shall  be 
subject  unto  the  Lord,  and  to  inferior 
masters  as  to  the  repre.senlalives  of  God, 
in  fear  and  reverence. 

15  Thou  shall  not  be  bitter  in  thy 
commands  towards  any  one  of  thy  ser- 
vants that  trust  in  God  ;  lest  thou  chance 
not  to  fear  him  who  is  over  both;  be- 
cause he  came  not  to  call  any  with  re- 
spect of  persons,  but  whomsoever  the 
spirit  had  prepared. 

16  Thou  shall  communicate  to  thy 
neighbour  of  all  thou  hast ;  thou  shall 
not  call  any  thing  thine  own  :  for  if  ye 
partake  in  such  things  as  are  incorrupti- 
ble, how  much  more  should  ye  do  it  in 
those  that  are  corruptible  ? 

17''  Thou  shall  not  be  forward  to 
speak ;  for  the  mouth  is  the  snare  of 
death.  '  Strive  for  thy  soul  with  all  thy 
might.  ^  Reach  out  thine  hand  to  re- 
ceive, and  withhold  it  not  when  thou 
shouldest  give. 

18  Thou  shall  love,  as  the  apple  of 
thine  eye,  every  one  that  speaketh  unto 
thee  the  Word  of  the  Lord.  '  Call  to  thy 
remembrance  day  and  night,  the  future 
judgment. 

f  Greedy,  ii\5ov£KTr}S-  s  Effects.  Ii  See  Ecclus. 
iv.  29.  >  Ibid  ver  28.  For  so  I  choose  to  read  it, 
VTTCp  Tiii  tpvxni  c"  dyoiytv(X£i;,  according  to  the 
conjecture  ofCoteleriu':.  ^  Ibid.  v.  36.  1  And  re- 
member him  night  and  day.  The  words  t'liiupuf 
KpU(i}(,  seem  to  have  been  erroneously  inserted,  and 
ervert  the  sense. 


19  Thou  shall  seek  out  every  day  the 
persons  of  the  "  righteous  :  and  both  con- 
sider, and  go  about  to  exhort  others 'by 
the  word,  and  meditate  how  thou  may- 
esl  save  a  soul. 

20  Thou  .shall  also  labour  with  thy 
hands  to  give  to  the  poor,  "  that  thy  sins 
may  be  forgiven  thee.  Thou  shall  not 
deliberate  whether  thou  shouldst  give  : 
nor  having  given,  murmur  at  it. 

21  Give  to  every  one  that  asks;  so 
shall  thou  know  who  is  the  good  reward- 
er  of  thy  gilts. 

22  Keep  what  thou  hast  received  ;  thou 
shall  neither  add  to  it,  nor  lake  from  it. 

23  Let  the  wicked  be  always  thy  aver- 
sion. Thou  shall  judge  righteous  judg- 
ment. Thou  shall  never  cause  divisions ; 
but  shall  make  peace  between  those 
that  are  at  variance,  and  bring  them 
together. 

24  Thou  shall  confess  thy  sins  ;  and 
not  come  to  thy  prayer  with  an  evil  con- 
science. 

25  This  is  the  way  of  light. 

CHAP.  XV. 

Of  the  way  of  darkness  ;  that  is,  what  kind  of  per- 
sons shall  be  forever  cast  out  of  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

BUT  the  way  of  darkness  is  crooked 
and  full  of  cursing.  For  it  is  the 
way  of  eternal  death,  with  punishment ; 
in  which  they  that  walk  meet  those  things 
that  destroy  their  own  souls. 

2  Such  are  ;  idolatry,  confidence,  pride 
of  power,  hypocrisy,  double-mindedness, 
adultery,  murder,  rapine,  pride,  transgres- 
sion, deceit,  malice,  arrogance,  witchcraft, 
coveteousness,  and  the  want  of  the  fear 
of  God. 

3  In  this  walk  those  who  are  the  per- 
secutors of  them  that  are  good  ;  haters  of 
truth  ;  lovers  of  lies ;  who  know  not  the 
reward  of  righteousness,  nor  cleave  to 
any  thing  that  is  good. 

4  rWho  administer  not  righteous  judg- 
ment to  the  widow  and  orphan  ;  who 
watch  for  wickedness,  and  not  for  the 
fear  of  the  Lord  : 

5  From  whom  gentleness  and  patience 
are  far  ofl" ;  who  love  vanity,  and  follow 
after  rewards ;  having  no  compassion 
upon  the  poor ;  nor  take  any  pains  for 
such  as  are  heavy  laden  and  oppressed. 

6  Ready  to  evil  speaking,  not  know- 


in  Gr.  Saints,     n  Gr.      For  the  redemption  of  tliy 
'  sins.    Comp.  D.in.  iv,  24.    See  lxs. 

103 


Who  shall  be 


EPHESIANS. 


cast  out 


ing  him  that  made  them  :  murderers  of 
children  ;  corrupters  of  the  creature  of 
God  ;  that  turn  away  fiom  the  needy  ;  op- 
press the  afflicted  :  are  the  advocates  of 
the  rich,  but  unjust  judges  of  the  poor ; 
being  altogether  sinners. 

7  ft  is  therefore  fitting  that  learning 
the  just  commands  of  the  Lord,  which  we 
have  before  mentioned,  we  should  walk 
in  them.  For  he  who  does  such  things 
shall  be  glorified  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

8  But  he  that  choses  the  other  part 
shall  be  destroyed,  together  \vith  his 
works.  For  this  cause  there  shall  be 
both  a  resurrection  and  a  retribution. 

9  I  beseech  those  that  are   in  high  es- 
tate among  you,  (if  so  be  you  will  take 
the  counsel  which  with  a  good  intention 
I  offer  to  you),  you  have  those  with  you  | 
towards  whom  you  may  do  good  ;  do  not  j 
forsake  them.  I 

10  For  the  day   is  at  hand  in  which  j 
all   things  shall    be  destroyed,   together 
with  the  wicked  one.     The  Lord  is  near, 
and  his  reward  is  with  him. 

Ill  be.seech  you  therefore  again,  and 
again,  be  as  good  lawgivers  to  one  anoth- 
er ;  continue  faithful  counsellors  to  each 
other ;  remove  from  among  you  all  hy- 
pocrisy. 


12  And  may  God,  the  Lord  of  all  the 
world,  give  you  wisdom,  knowledge, 
counsel,  and  understanding  of  his  judg- 
ments in  patience. 

1 3  Be  ye  taught  of  God  ;  seeking  what 
it  is  the  Lord  requires  of  you,  and  doing 
it ;  that  ye  may  be  saved  in  the  day  oi 
judgment. 

14  And  if  there  be  among  you  any  re- 
membrance of  what  is  good  think  of  me ; 
meditating  upon  these  things,  that  both 
my  desire  and  my  watching  for  you  may 
turn  to  a  good  account. 

15  I  beseech  you  ;  1  ask  it  as  a  favor 
of  you  ;  whilst  you  are  in  this  beautiful 
"  tabernacle  of  the  body,  be  wanting  in 
none  of  these  things ;  but  without  ceas- 
ing seek  them,  and  fulfil  every  com- 
mand :  For  these  things  are  fitting  and 
worthy  to  be  done. 

1(1  Wherefore  I  have  given  the  more 
diligence  to  write  unto  you,  according  to 
my  ability,  that  you  might  rejoice.  Fare- 
well, children  of  love  and  peace. 

17  The  Lord  of  glory,  and  of  all  grace, 
be  with  yoiu-  spirit.     Amen. 

IT  The  end  of  the  epistle  of  Barnabas,  the 
Apostle,  and  fellow-traveller  of  St 
Paul,  the  Apostle. 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  EPHESIANS. 

T  Of  the  Epistles  of  Igxatius. 

The  Epistles  of  Ignatius  are  translated  by  Archbishop  Wake  from  the  text  of  Vossius.  He  says  that  there 
were  considerable  differences  in  the  "editions  ;  the  best  fur  a  long  time  extant  containing  fabrications 
and  the  genuine  being  altered  and  corrupted.  Archbishop  Usher  printed  old  Latin  translations  of  them 
at  Oxford,  in  1644.  At  Amsterdam,  two  years  afterwards,  Vossius  printed  six  of  them  in  their  ancient 
and  pure  Greek  ;  and  the  seventh,  greatly  amended  from  the  ancient  Latin  version,  was  jirinted  at 
Paris,  by  Ruinart,  in  1689,  in  the  Acts  and  Slartyrdom  of  Ignatius,  from  a  tJreek  uninterpolated  copy. 
These  a're  sup|)0sed  to  form  the  collection  that  Polycarp  made  of  the  Epistles  of  Ignatius,  mentioned 
by  Irena;U5,  Origen,  Eusebius,  Jerome,  Athanasiu»,"Theodoret,  Gelasius  and  other  ancients  ;  but  many 
learned  men  have  imagined  all  of  them  to  be  apocryphal.  This  supposition,  tiie  piety  of  Archbishop 
Wake,  and  his  jiersuasiou  of  their  utility  to  the  faith  of  the  church,  will  not  permit  him  to  entertain  ; 
hence  he  has  taken  great  pains  to  render  the  present  translation  acceptable,  by  adding  numerous  read- 
ings and  references  to  the  Canonical  Books.] 


CHAP.  L 

1  Commends  them  for  sending  Onesimus,  and  other 
members  of  the  church  to  him.  8  Exhorts  them  to 
unity,  13  by  a  due  subjugation  to  their  bishop. 

IGNATIUS,  who  is  also  called  Theo- 
phorus,  to  the  church   which   is   at 


104 


Ephesus  in  Asia ;  most  deservedly  hap- 
py ;  being  blessed  *  through  the  greatness 
and  fulness  ''  of  God  the  Father,  and  pre- 
destinated before  the  world  began,  that  il 
should  be  always  imto  an  enduring  and 
unchangeable  glory  ;    being   united  and 

a  In.     b  See  Eph.  iii.  19. 


Of  unity  and 


EPHESIANS. 


subjection. 


chosen  "^  through  his  true  passion,  <:  ac- 
cording to  the  will  of  the  Father,  and 
Jesus  Christ  our  God  ;  all  **  happiness,  by 
Jesus  Christ,  and  '^  his  undetiied  Grace. 

2  I  have  '  heard  of  your  name  much 
beloved  in  God  ;  which  ye  have  ^  very 
justly  attained  by  a  e  habit  of  righteous- 
ness, according  to  the  faith  and  love 
which  is  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 

3  How  that  being  *"  followers  of  God, 
and  stirring  up  yourselves  by  the  blood  of 
Christ,  ye  have  perfectly  accomplished 
the  work  that  was  con-natural  unto  you. 

4  For  hearing  that  I  came  bound  from 
Syria,  for  the  common  name  and  '  hope, 
trusting  through  your  prayers  to  light 
with  beasts  at  Rome  ;  that  so  by  ''  suffer- 
ing I  may  become  indeed  the  disciple  of 
him  '  who  gave  himself  to  God,  an  offer- 
ing and  saciifice  for  us  ;  '"  (ye  hastened 
to  see  me.)  I  received  therefore,  in  the 
name  of  God,  your  whole  multitude  in 
Onesimus. 

5  Who  by  ii^expressible  love  is  ours, 
but  according  to  the  flesh  is  your  bishop  : 
whom  I  beseech  you,  by  Jesus  Christ,  to 
love  ;  and  that  you  would  all  strive  to  be 
hke  unto  him.  And  blessed  be  God,  who 
has  granted  unto  you,  who  are  so  worthy 
of  him,  to  "  enjoy  such  an  excellent 
bishop. 

6  For  what  concerns  my  fellow-ser- 
vant Burrhus,  and  your  "  most  blessed 
deacon  in  things  pertaining  to  God;  1  en- 
treat you  that  he  may  tarry  longer,  both 
for  yours,  and  your  bishop's  honour. 

7  And  Crocus  also  worthy  both  our 
God  and  you,  whom  1  have  received  as 
the  pattern  of  your  love,  has  in  all  things 
refreshed  me,  as  the  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  shall  also  refresh  him  ;  to- 
gether with  Onesimus,  and  Burrhus,  and 
Euplus,  and  Fronto,  p  in  whom  I  have, 
as  to  your  charity,  seen  all  of  you.  And 
may  I  always  i  have  joy  of  you,  if  I  shall 
be  worthy  of  it. 

8  It  is  therefore  fitting  that  you  should 
>■  by  all  means  glorify  Jesus  Christ  who 
hath  glorified  you  :  that  '  by  a  uniform 
obedience  <■  ye  may  be  perfectly  joined 
together  in  the  same  mind,  and  in  the  same 
judgment;  and  may  all  speak  the  same 
things  concerning  every  thuig  : 


c  In.  d  Health,  joy.  e  Received.  Vid.  Epis.  Iti- 
terp.  f  Vid.  Coteler.  ill  loc.  Comp.  Gal.  iv.8.  g  Pear- 
son. Viiid.  Ignut.  Par.  2,  cap.  14.  h  Imitators, 
i  Viz;  of  Christ,  k  Martyrdom.  1  Eph.  v.  2.  m  See 
the  old  Lat.  Edit,  of  Bishop  Usher.  n  Possessed, 
o  Blessed  in  all  things.  p  By.  q  See  Philem.  20. 
r  In  all  manner  of  ways,    s  In  one.    t  i  Cor.  i.  10. 


9  And  that  being  subject  to  "  your 
bishop,  and  the  presbytery,  ye  may  be 
wholly  and  thoroughly  sanctified. 

10  These  things  I  ^  prescribe  to  you, 
not  as  if  I  were  somebody  extraordinary : 
for  though  I  am  bound  "  for  his  name, 
I  am  not  yet  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus. 
"  But  now  I  begin  to  learn,  and  T  speak 
to  you  as  fellow-dLsciples  together  with 
me. 

11  For  I  ought  to  have  been  stirred 
up  by  youy  in  faith,  in  admonition,  in  pa- 
tience, in  long-suffering  :  but  for  as  much 
as  charity  sutlers  me  not  to  be  silent  y  to- 
wards you,  1  have  first  taken  upon  me  to 
exhort  you,  that  y&  would  all  run  toge- 
ther according  to  the  will  of  God. 

12  For  even  Jesus  Christ,  our  insepar- 
able life,  is  sent  by  the  ^  will  of  the  Fa- 
ther ;  as  the  bishops,  appointed  unto  the 
utmost  bounds  of  the  earth,  are  by  the 
will  of  Jesus  Christ. 

13^  Wherefore  it  will  become  you  to 
run  together  according  to  the  will  of  your 
bishop,  as  also  ye  do. 

14  For  your  ''  famous  presbytery, 
worthy  of  God,  is  fitted  as  exactly  to  the 
bishop,  as  the  strings  are  to  the  harp. 

15  Therefore  in  your  concord,  and 
agreeing  charity,  Jesus  Christ  is  sung ; 
and  every  single  person  among  you  makes 
up  the  chorus  : 

16  That  so  being  all  consonant  in 
c  love,  and  taking  up  the  song  of  God,  ye 
may  in  a  perfect  unity,  with  one  voice, 
sing  to  the  Father  by  Jesus  Christ ;  to  the 
end  that  he  may  both  hear  you,  and  per- 
ceive by  your  works,  that  ye  are  indeed 
the  members  of  his  Son, 

1 7  Wherefore  it  is  profitable  for  you  to 
live  in  an  unblamable  unity,  that  so  ye 
may  always  ^  have  a  fellowship  with 
God. 

CHAP.    II. 

1  The  benefit  of  subjection.  4  The  bishop  not  to  be 
respected  the  less  because  he  is  not  forward  in  ex- 
acting it.  8  Warns  them  against  heretics  ;  bidding 
them  cleave  to  Jesus,  whose  divine  and  human 
nature  is  declared  :  commends  them  for  their  care 
to  keep  themselves  from  false  teachers  ;  and  shews 
them  the  way  to  God. 

FOR  if  I  in  this  little  time  have  had 
such  a  familiarity  with  your  bishop, 
I  mean  not  a  carnal,  but  spiritual  acquaint- 
ance with  him;  how  much  more  must  1 
think  you  happy  who  are  so  joined  to  him. 


"The;  'Command  you.  't  in.  i  For.  y  Con- 
cerning, z  Mind,  counsel,  opinion,  &c.  *  Whence- 
b  Worthy  to  be  named,    c  Concord.     ^  Partake  of. 

105 


Love  to  the  bishop. 


EPHESIANS. 


Exhorts  against  heresy. 


as  the  church  is  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  Father  ;  that  so  all  things 
may  agree  in  the  same  unity  ? 

2  Let  no  man  deceive  himself  ;  if  a 
man  be  not  within  the  altar,  he  is  depriv- 
ed of  the  bread  of  God.  For  if  the  piayer 
of  'one  or  two  be  of  such  force,  as  we 
are  told  ;  how  much  more  powerful  shall 
that  of  the  bishop  and  the  whole  church 
be? 

3  He  therefore  that  does  not  come  toge- 
ther into  the  same  place  with  it,  is  'proud, 
and  has  already  £  condemned  himself. 
For  it  is  written,  ''God  resisteth  the  proud. 
Let  us  lake  heed  therefore,  that  we  do  not 
set  ourselves  against  the  bishop,  tliat  we 
may  be  subject  to  God. 

4  '  Tlie  more  any  one  sees  hi.s  bishop 
silent,  the  more  lot  him  revere  him.  P'or 
whomsoever  the  master  of  the  house  sends 
to  be  over  his  own  household,  we  ought 
in  like  manner  to  receive  him,  as  we 
would  do  him  that  sent  him.  It  is  there- 
fore evident  that  we  ought  to  look  upon 
the  bishop,  even  as  we  would  do  upon 
the  Lord  himself. 

5  And  indeed  Onesimus  himself  does 
greatly  commend  your  good  order  in  God  : 
That  you  all  live  according  to  the  truth, 
and  that  no  heresy  dwells  among  you. 
For  neither  do  ye  hearken  to  any  one 
more  than  to  Jesus  Christ  speaking  to  you 
in  truth. 

6  For  some  there  are  who  ''  carry  about 
the  name  of  Christ  '  in  dcceitfulness,  but 
do  things  unworthy  of  God  ;  whom  ye 
must  ™  flee,  as  ye  would  do  so  many  wild 
beasts.  For  they  are  ravening  dogs,  who 
bite  secretly  :  against  whom  ye  must 
guard  yourselves,  as  men  hardly  to  be 
cured. 

7  There  is  one  physician,  both  fleshly 
and  spiritual  ;  made  and  not  made  ;  God 
incarnate  ;  true  life  in  death  ;  both  of 
Mary  and  of  God  ;  lirst  passable,  then 
impassable  ;  even  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

8  VVherefore  let  no  man  deceive  you  ; 
as  indeed  neither  are  ye  deceived,  being 
wholly  the  servants  of  God.  For  inas- 
much as  there  is  no  contention,  nor  strife 
among  you,  "  to  trouble  you,  "  ye  must 
needs  live  according  to  God"s  will,  r  jMy 
soul  be  for  yours  ;  and  I  myself  the  ex- 


e  Matt,  xviii.  19.  f  Is  already  proud,  and  has,  ice. 
?  Judged  or  separated.  h  James  iv.  <>.  i  And  the. 
k  Accustom  themselves  to  carry.  '  In  wicked  de 
ceit.  m  Avoid,  n  Which  can.  o  Without  douht  ye 
live.  pVid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  Pearson.  Vind. 
Jgn.  nar.  2,  p.  207,  208. 

106 


piatory  offering  for  your  church  of  Ephe- 
sus,  so  famous  i  throughout  the  world. 

9  They  that  are  of  the  flesh  cannot  do 
the  works  of  the  spirit ;  neither  they  that 
are  of  the  spirit  the  works  of  the  flesh. 
■■  As  he  that  has  faith  cannot  be  an  infi- 
del ;  nor  he  that  is  an  infidel  have  faith. 
But  even  those  things  which  ye  do  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh  are  spiritual  ;  foras- 
much as  ye  do  all  things  in  Jesus  Christ. 

10  Nevertheless  I  have  •  heard  of 
some  M-ho  have  '  passed  by  you,  having 
perverse  doctrine  ;  whom  ye  did  not  suf- 
fer to  sow  "  among  you ;  but  stopped 
your  ears,  that  ye  might  not  receive  those 
things  that  were  sown  by  them  :  as  ''  be- 
ing the  .stones  of  the  temple  of  the  Father, 
prepared  for  "  his  building  ;  and  drawn 
up  on  high  by  the  Cross  of  Christ, »  as  by 
an  engine. 

1 1  Using  the  Holy  Ghost  as  the  rope  : 
your  faith  being  your  support ;  and  your 
chaiity  the  way  that  leads  unto  God. 

12  Ye  are  therefore,  with  all  your 
companions  in  the  same  >  journey,  full  of 
God  ;  his  spiritual  temples,  ^  full  of  Christ, 
'■  full  of  holiness  :  adorned  in  all  things 
with  the  commands  of  Christ. 

13  In  whom  also  1  rejoice  that  1  have 
been  thought  worthy  by  "  this  present 
epistle  to  converse,  and  joy  together  with 
you  ;  that  with  respect  to  the  other  life, 
ye  love  nothing  but  God  only. 

CHAP.  111. 

1  E.xl'.orts  them  to  prayer  ;  to  be  unblamable.  5 
To  he  careful  of  salvation  ;  11  frequent  in  public 
devotion,  13  and  to  live  in  chanty. 

PRAY  also  without  ceasing  for  other 
men  ;  for  there  is  hope  of  repentance 
in  them,  that  they  may  attain  unto  God, 
let  them  therefore  at  least  be  instructed  by 
your  works,  if  they  will  be  no  other 
way. 

2  Be  ye  mild  at  their  anger  ;  humble 
at  their  boasting  :  to  their  blasphemies, 
return  your  prayers  :  to  their  en  or,  your 
b  firmness  in  the  faith  :  when  they  are 
cruel,  be  ye  gentle  ;  not  endeavoring  to 
imitate  their  ways. 

3  (Let  us  be  their  brethren  in  all  kind- 
ness and  moderation,  but  let  us  be  fol- 
lowers of  the  Lord  ;  "  lor  who  Mas  ever 


q  To  agef.  r  .\s  neither  is  faith  the  things  of  infi- 
delity, nor  infidelitv  the  things  of  faith.  s  Known. 
t  Passed  thither.  u'Upon.  v  Comp.  Eph.  ii.  20,21,22. 
1  Pet.  ii.  5.  w  The  building  of  God  the  Father. 
»  By  the  engine  of  the  cross,  &c.  y  Pearson,  ib.  ap. 
2,  cap.  12.  I  Carriers,  a  These  things  I  write,  b  Be 
ye  firm,     c  Who  has  been  more,  &c. 


Charity  and  love 


more  unjustly  used  ?      More  destitute  r 
More  despised  .') 

4  That  so  no  herb  of  the  devil  may  be 
lound  in  you  ;  but  ye  may  remain  in  all 
holiness  and  sobriety  ^  both  of  body  and 
spirit,  in  Christ  Jesus. 

5  The  last  times  <•  are  come  upon  us  : 
let  us  therefore  be  very  reverent,  and  fear 
the  long-suffering  of  God,  that  it  be  not  to 
us  into  condemnation. 

6  For  let  us  either  fear  the  wrath  that 
is  to  come,  or  let  us  love  the  grace  '  that 
we  at  present  enjoy  :  that  e  by  the  one, 
or  other,  of  these  we  may  be  found  in 
Christ  Jesus,  unto  true  life. 

7  ^  Besides  him,  let  nothing  '  be  wor- 
thy of  you ;  ^  for  whom  also  I  bear  about 
these  bonds,  those  spiritual  jewels,  in 
which  I  would  to  God  that  I  might  arise 
through  your  prayers. 

8  Of  which  I  entreat  you  to  make  me 
always  jiartaker,  that  I  may  be  found  in 
the  lot  of  the  christians  of  Ephesus,  who 
have  always  '  agreed  with  the  Apostles, 
"■  through  the  power  of  Jesus  Christ. 

9  IT  I  know  both  who  I  am,  and  to 
whom  I  write  :  I,  a  person  condemned  ; 
ye,  such  as  have  obtained  mercy  ;  I,  ex- 
posed to  dajiger  ;  ye,  confirmed  against 
danger.    " 

1 0  Ye  are  the  passage  of  those  that  are 
killed  for  God ;  the  companions  of  Paul 
in  the  mysteries  of  the  Gospel  ;  the  holy, 
the  °  martyr,  the  deservedly  most  happy 
Paul  :  at  whose  feet  may  I  be  found, 
when  I  shall  have  attained  unto  God  ; 
who,  °  throughout  all  his  epistle  makes 
mention  of  you  in  Christ  Jesus. 

1 1  Let  it  be  your  care  therefore  to  come 
more  fully  together,  to  the  praise  and 
glory  of  God.  For  when  ye  meet  fully 
together  in  the  same  place,  the  powers  of 
the  devil  are  destroyed  and  his  p  mischief 
is  dissolved  by  the  i  unity  of  your  fafth. 

12  And  indeed,  nothing  is  better  than 
peace  ;  by  which  all  war  both  ■■  spiritual 
and  earthly  is  abolished. 

13  Of  all  which  nothing  is  hid  from 
you,  if  ye  have  perfect  faith  and  charity 
in  Christ  Jesus,  which  are  the  beginning 
and  end  of  life. 

14  For  the  beginning  is  faith  ;  and  the 


EPHESIANS.  of  the  Gospel. 

end  charity.  And  these  two  »  joined  to- 
gether, are  of  God  :  but  all  other  things 
which  concern  a  holy  life  are  the  conse- 
quences of  these. 

1 5  No  man  professing  a  true  faith,  sin  • 
neth ;  neither  does  he  who  has  charity, 
hate  any. 

16  'The  tree  is  made  manifest  by  its 
fruit  ;  so  they  who  profess  themselves  to 
be  christians  "  are  known  by  what  they 
do. 

17  For  Christianity  is  not  the  M'ork  of 
an  outward  profession  ;  but  shows  itself 
in  the  power  of  faith,  if  a  man  be  found 
faithful  unto  the  end. 

18  It  is  better  for  a  man  to  hold  his 
peace,  and  be  ;  than  "  to  say,  he  is  a 
christian,  and  not  to  be. 

19  It  is  good  to  teach  ;  "  if  what  he 
says,  he  does  likewise. 

20  There  is  therefore  one  master  who 
spake,  and  it  was  done  ;  and  even  those 
things  which  he  did  without  speaking,  are 
worthy  of  the  Father. 

21  He  that  possesses  the  word  of  Jesus, 
is  truly  able  to  hear  his  very  silence,  that 
he  may  be  perfect ;  "  and  both  do  accord- 
ing to  what  he  speaks,  and  be  known  by 
those  things  of  which  he  is  silent. 

22  There  is  nothing  hid  from  God,  but 
even  our  secrets  are  nigh  unto  him. 

23  Let  us  therefore  do  all  things,  as 
becomes  those  who  have  ^  God  dwelling 
in  them  ;  that  we  may  be  his  temples, 
and  he  may  be  our  God  :  as  also  he  is, 
and  will  manifest  him.self  before  our  faces, 
by  those  things  ^  for  which  we  justly 
love  him. 


d  In  Jesus  Christ,  botli  bodily  and  spiritually. 
1  Cor.  vii.  34.  «  Remain  ;  or  for  it  remains.  f  Is 
present.  e  One  of  the  two,  only  that  we  may  be 
fonnd,  &c.  h  Without  liim.  i  Become  you.  k  In. 
1  Assented  to.  m  In.  n  Witnessed  of.  o  Vid.  Cot. 
in  loc.  Pears.  Vind.  Ign.  par.  2,  cap.  10.  P  Destruc- 
tion, q  Concord.  f  Of  things  in  heaven,  and  of 
things  on  earth. 


CHAP.    IV. 

1  To  have  a  care  for  the  Gospel.  9  The  virginity  of 
Mary,  the  incarnation  and  the  death  of  Christ, 
were  hid  from  the  Devil.  11  How  the  birth  of 
Christ  was  revealed.     16  Exhorts  to  unity. 

BE  not  deceived,  my  brethren  :  those 
that  ^  corrupt  families  by  adultery, 
shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God. 

2  If  therefore  they  who  do  this  accord- 
ing to  the  flesh,  ''  have  suffered  death ; 
how  much  more  shall  he  die,  who  by  his 
wicked  doctrine  corrupts  the  faith  of  God, 
for  which  Christ  was  crucified  ? 

3  <=  He  that  is  thus  defiled,  shall  depart 


s  Being  in  unity.  t  Matt.  xii.  33.  u  Shall  be 
seen,  or  made  manifest,  v  Speaking,  not  to  be.  w]f 
he  who  says,  does,  x  That  he  may.  S  Him.  z  Out 
of.  a  The  corrupters  of  houses.  1  Cor.  vi.  9,  10. 
b  1  Cor.  X.  8.      c  Such  a  one  being  become  defiled. 

107 


Tlieincanatu>n,<^c.  EPHESIANS. 

into  unquenchable  lire,  and  so  also  shall 
he  that  "^  hearkens  to  him. 

4  For  this  cause  did  the  Lord  ^  suffer 
the  ointment  to  be  poured  on  his  head  ; 
that  he  might  breathe  the  breath  of  im- 
m.ortality  unto  his  church. 

5  Be  not  ye  therefore  annointed  with 
the  evil  savour  of  the  doctrine  of  the 
prince  of  this  world :  let  him  not  take 
you  captive  from  the  life  that  is  set  be- 
fore you. 

6  And  why  are  we  not  all  wise  ;  see- 
ing we  have  received  the  knowledge  of 
God,  which  is  Jesus  Christ.'  Why  'do 
we  suffer  ourselves  foolishly  to  perish  ; 
tnot  considering  the  gift  which  the  Lord 
has  truly  sent  to  us  .- 

7  ''  Let  my  life  be  sacrificed  for  the  doc- 
trine of  the  cross ;  which  is  indeed  a 
scandal  to  the  unbelievers,  but  to  us  is 
salvation  and  life  eternal. 

8  '  Where  is  the  wise  man  .'  Where  is 
the  disputer  ?  Where  is  the  boasting  of 
those  who  are  called  wise  .' 

9  For  our  God  Jesus  Christ  was  ac- 
cording to  the  dispensation  of  God,  ''  con- 
ceived in  the  womb  of  Mary,  of  the  seed 
of  David, '  by  the  Holy  Ghost :  "'  he  was 
born  and  baptized,  that  through  his  pas- 
sion he  might  purify  water,  to  the  wash- 
ing away  of  sin. 

10  Now  the  virginity  of  IMaiy  and  he 
who  was  botn  of  her,  was  kept  in  secret 
from  the  prince  of  this  world ;  as  was 
also  the  death  of  our  Lord  :  three  of  the 
"  mysteries  the  most  spoken  of  through- 
out the  world,  yet  done  in  °  secret  by 
God. 

11  How  then  was  our  Saviour  mani- 
fested to  the  world .'  A  star  shone  in 
heaven  beyond  all  the  other  stars,  and  its 
light  was  inexpressible,  and  its  novelty 
struck  terror  into  men's  minds.  All  the 
rest  of  the  stars,  together  with  the  sun 
and  moon,  were  the  chorus  to  this  star  : 
but  that  sent  out  its  light  exceedingly 
above  them  all. 

<i  Hears  liim.  e  Keceive  ointment.  Psalin  xxiii. 
5,  cxxxiii.  2.  f  Are  we  foolishly  destroyed  1  B  Not 
knowing,  t  See  Dr.  Smith's  note  in  loc.  1  Cor.  i. 
18,23,24.  ilCor.  i.  20.  k  Carried.  1  But  by. 
m  Who  was.  n  Mysteries  of  noise.  "  Silence,  or 
quietness.    See  Eom.  xvi.  25. 

108 


hid  from  the  devil. 


12  And  men  p  began  to  be  troubled  to 
think  whence  this  ^  new  star  came  so  un- 
like to  ■•  all  the  others. 

13  Hence  all  the  power  and  magic  be- 
came dis.solved  ;  and  every  bond  of  wick- 
edness was  '  destroyed  ;  men's  ignorance 
was  taken  away ;  and  the  old  kingdom 
abolished  ;  God  himself  '  appearing  in  the 
form  of  a  man,  for  the  renewal  of  eternal 
life. 

14  From  thence  began  what  God  had 
prepared  :  from  thenceforth  things  were 
disturbed ;  fora.smuch  as  he  designed  to 
abolish  death. 

15  But  if  Jesus  Christ  shall  give  me 
grace  through  your  prayers,  and  it  be  his 
will,  1  pur])ose  in  a  second  epistle  which 
1  will  suddenly  write  unto  you  to  mani- 
fest to  you  more  fully  the  dispensation  of 
which  I  have  now  begun  to  speak,  unto 
the  new  man,  which  is  Jesus  Christ; 
both  in  his  faith,  and  charity  ;  in  his  suf- 
fering, and  in  his  resurrection. 

1 6  Especially  if  the  Lord  shall  "  make 
known  unto  me,  that  ye  all  by  name 
come  together  in  common  in  one  faith, 
and  in  one  Jesus  Chri.st;  wlio  was  of  the 
race  of  David  according  to  the  flesh ;  the 
Son  of  man,  the  Son  of  God;  "obeying 
your  bishop  and  the  presbytery  with  an 
entire  "■  affection ;  breaking  one  and  the 
same  bread,  which  is  the  medicine  of  im- 
mortality ;  our  antidote  that  we  should 
not  die,  but  live  for  ever  in  Christ  Jesus. 

17  My  soul  be  for  yours,  and  theirs 
whom  ye  have  sent,  to  the  glory  of  God  ; 
even  unto  Smyrna,  from  whence  also  I 
write  to  you  ;  giving  thanks  unto  the 
Lord,  and  loving  Polycaip  even  as  I  do 
you.  Remember  me,  as  Jesus  Christ 
does  remember  you. 

18  Pray  for  the  church  w'hich  is  in 
Syria,  from  whence  1  am  carried  bound  to 
Rome  ;  being  the  least  of  all  faithful 
which  are  there,  as  I  have  been  thought 
worthy  to  be  found  to  the  glory  of  God. 

19  Fare  j-c  well  in  God  the  Father, 
and  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  common  Hope. 
Amen. 

P  There  was  a  disorder.  q  Novelty.  rThem. 
«  Disappeared,  t  Being  made  manifest.  "  Reveal. 
T  That  ye  may  obey.     «■  Mind. 


Exhorts  to  reverence 


MAGNESIANS. 


the  bishopt 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  MAGNESIANS. 


CHAP.  I. 

4  Mentions  the  arrival  of  Damas  tlieir  Bishop,  and 
others,  6  whom  he  exhorts  them  to  reverence, 
notwithstanding  he  was  a  young  man. 

IQNATIUS  who  is  also  called  Theo- 
phorus  ;  to  the  blessed  ''(church)  ''  by 
the  grace  of  God  the  Father  in  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour  :  in  whom  I  salute  the 
church  which  is  at  Magnesia  near  the 
Masander  ;  and  wish  it  all  joy  in  God  the 
Father  and  in  Jesus  Christ. 

2  When  I  heard  of  your  well-ordered 
love  and  charity  ^^  in  God,  being  full  of 
joy,  I  desired  much  to  speak  unto  you  in 
the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ. 

3  For  having;  "^  been  thought  worthy  to 
obtain  a  most  excellent  name,  "^in  the 
bonds  which  I  carry  about,  I  "^salute  the 
churches  ;  wishing  in  them  a  union  both 
of  the  body  and  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
eternal  life  :  as  also  of  faith  and  chanty, 
to  which  nothing  is  preferred  :  but  es- 
pecially of  Jesus  and  the  Father;  in 
whom  6 if  we  undergo  all  the  injuries  of 
the  prince  of  this  present  world,  and  es- 
cape, we  shall  enjoy  God. 

4  freeing  then  I  have  been  judged 
worthy  to  .see  you,  by  Damas  your  ''  most 
excellent  bishop ;  and  by  your  very  worthy 
presbyters,  Bassus  and  ApoUonius ;  and 
by  my  fellow-servant  Sotio  the  deacon; 

5  in  wb.om  'I  rejoice,  forasmuch  as  he 
is  subject  unto  his  bishop  as  to  the  grace 
of  God,  and  to  the  presbyterry  as  to  the 
law  of  Jesus  Christ;  ''I  determined  to 
■write  unto  you. 

6  Wherefore  it  will  become  you  also 
not  'to  use  you.  Mshop  too  familiarly 
upon  the  accoui:  ;f  his  youth  ;  but  to 
yield  all  reverence  i.o  him  according  to  the 
power  of  God  the  Father :  as  also  I  per- 
ceive that  your  holy  presbyters  do ;  not 
considering  his  ™age,  which  indeed  to  ap- 
pearance is  young  ;  but  as  becomes  those 
who  are  prudent  in  God,  submitting  to 

a  Vid.  Intern.  Lat.  Epist.  Intcrp.  b  In.  c  Ac- 
cording to.  J  Been  vouchsafed  a  name  carrying  a 
preat  deal  of  divinity  in  it.  e  See  Bishop  Pearson, 
Vind.  Ign.  par  ii.  cap.  12,  p.  116.  f  Sing,  commend. 
g  Undergoing,    escaping.  h  Worthy    of     God. 

i  Whom  may  I  enjoy,  k  Apud  Vet.  Lat.  Interp. 
Gluriiicato  Deum  Patrem  D.  nostri  .Tesu  Cliristi- 
1  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  Pearson  Pra;f.  ad.  Vijid. 
Jgnat.       m  Seeming  youthful  state. 


him,  or  rather  not  to  him,  but  the  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  bishop  of 
us  all. 

7  It  will  therefore  "  behove  you,  >=  with 
all  sincerity,  to  obey  your  bishop ;  in 
honor  of  him  p  whose  pleasure  it  is  that 
}'e  should  do  so. 

8  Because  he  that  does  not  do  so,  de- 
ceives not  the  bishop  whom  he  sees,  but 
")  affronts  him  that  is  invisible.  fFor 
whatsoever  of  this  kind  is  done,  it  reflects 
not  upon  'man,  but  upon  God,  who  knows 
the  secrets  of  our  hearts. 

9  It  is  therefore  fitting  that  we  should 
not  only  be  called  christians,  but  be  so. 

1 0  As  some  call  indeed  their  governor, 
bishop ;  and  yet  do  all  things  without 
him. 

1 1  But  I  can  never  think  that  such  as 
these  have  a  good  conscience,  seeing  they 
are  not  gathered  together  '  thoroughly  ac- 
cording to  God's  commandment. 

CHA?,  II. 

1  That  as  all  must  die,    3  he  exhorts  them  to  liva 
orderly,  6;iu  in  unity. 

SEEING  then  all  things  have  an  end, 
there  are  these  two  "indifferently  set 
before  us,  death  and  life ;  and  every  one 
shall  depart  unto  his  proper  place. 

2  For  as  there  are  two  sorts  of  coins, 
the  one  of  God,  the  other  of  the  world  ; 
and  each  of  these  has  its  proper  "in- 
scription engraven  upon  it ;  so  also  is  it 
here. 

3  The  unbelievers  are  of  this  world ; 
but  the  faithful,  through  charity,  have  the 
character  of  God  the  Father  by  Jesus 
Christ :  by  whom  if  we  are  not  readily 
disposed  to  die  after  the  likeness  of  his 
passion,  his  life  is  not  in  us. 

4  Forasmuch  therefore  as  I  have  in  the 
persons  before-mentioned,  seen  ''all  of 
you  in  faith  and  charity  ;  I  exhort  you 
that  ye  study  to  do  all  things  in  a  "  divine 
concord  : 

5  Your  bishop  presiding  in  the  place  of 


n  It  is   becoming.  o  Without   any  hypocrisy, 

p  Who  willeth  it.     ^  Deludes,      r  Vid.  Epist.  Interp. 
ad  loc.     s  riesh.     t  Firmly,     u  Together,      v  Char- 
acter set.    ■>»■  Your  whole  multitude.     "  The  concord 
i  of  God. 

109 


Cautions  against 


MAGNESIANS. 


false  opinions 


God ;  your  presbyters  in  the  place  of  the 
council  of  the  Apostles ;  and  your  dea- 
cons most  ^  dear  to  me,  being  intrusted 
with  the  ministry  of  Jesus  Christ ;  who 
was  the  Father  before  all  ages,  and  ap- 
peared in  the  'end  to  us. 

6  Wherefore  taking  the  same  »holy 
course,  see  that  ye  all  reverence  one  an- 
other :  and  let  no  one  look  upon  his 
neighbour  after  the  flesh ;  but  do  ye  all 
mutually  love  each  other  in  Jesus  Christ. 

7  Let  there  be  nothing  that  may  be 
able  to  make  a  division  among  you  ;  but 
be  ye  united  to  your  pattern  and  direction 
in  the  way  to  immortality. 

8  ''As  therefore  the  Lord  did  nothing 
without  the  father,  being  united  to  him  ; 
neither  by  himself  nor  yet  by  his  Apos- 
tles ;  so  neither  do  ye  do  any  thing  with- 
out your  bishop  and  presbyters  : 

9  Neither  endeavour  to  let  any  thing 
appear  rational  to  yourselves  apart ; 

10  But  being  come  together  into  the 
same  place,  "^  have  one  common  prayer ; 
one  supplication  ;  one  mind  ;  one  hope  ; 
in  charity,  and  in  joy  undefiled. 

1 1  There  is  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  than 
whom  nothing  is  better.  Wherefore 
^come  ye  all  together  as  unto  one  temple 
of  God;  as  to  one  "altar,  as  to  one  Jesus 
Christ;  who  proceeded  from  one  Father, 
and  exists  in  one,  and  is  returned  to  one. 


CHAP.  III. 

1  He  cautions  them  against  false  opinions.  3  Es- 
pecially those  of  f  Ebion  and  the  Judaizing  Christ- 
ians. 

BE  not  deceived  with  Estrange  doc- 
trines ;  nor  with  old  fables  which 
are  unprofitable.  For  if  we  still  con- 
tinue to  live  according  to  the  Jewish  law, 
we  do  confess  ourselves  not  to  have  re- 
ceived grace.  For  even  the  most  ^  holy 
prophets  lived  according  to  Christ  Jesus. 
2  And  for  this  cause  were  they  j  erse- 
cuted,  being  inspired  by  his  grace,  'to 
convince  the  unbelievers  and  disobedient 
that  there  is  one  God  who  has  manifested 
himself  by  Jesus  Christ  his  Son;  who  is 
his  "^  eternal  word,  not  coming  forth  from 
silence,  who  in  all  things  pleased  him 
that  sent  him. 


y  Sweet.  z  Was  made  manifest.  Heb.  ix.  26. 
a  Habit  of  God.  b  John  x.  30  ;  xiv.  II,  12;  xvii.  21, 
92.  c  Eph.  ir.  3,  4,  5,  6.  d  Run.  e  John  xvi.  28. 
f  Pearson,  Vind.  Ign.  par.  2,  cap.  4.  g  Heterodox, 
h  Most  divine.     '  Fully  to  satisfy,     k  John  i.  1. 

110 


3  Wherefore  if  they  who  were  brought 
up  in  these  ancient  'laws  came  neverthe- 
less to  the  newness  of  hope ;  no  longer  ob- 
serving sabbaths,  but  ■"  keeping  the  Lord's 
day,  in  which  also  our  life  is  sprung  up 
by  him,  and  through  his  death,  "whom 
yet  some  deny : 

4  (By  which  mystery  we  have  °  been 
brought  to  believe,  and  therefore  wait  that 
we  may  be  found  the  disciples  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  master  :) 

5  How  shall  we  be  able  to  live  f  dif- 
ferent from  him  ;  whose  disciples  the  very 
prophets  themselves  being,  did  by  the 
spirit  expect  him  as  their  master. 

6  "iAnd  therefore  he  whom  they  justly 
waited  for,  being  come,  raised  them  from 
the  dead. 

7  Let  us  not  then  be  insensible  of  his 
goodness  ;  for  should  he  ■'have  dealt  with 
us  according  to  our  works,  we  had  not 
now  had  a  being. 

8  Wherefore  being  become  his  disci- 
ples, let  us  learn  to  live  according  to  the 
rules  of  Christianity  :  for  whosoever  is 
called  by  any  other  name  'besides  this, 
he  is  not  of  God. 

9  Lay  aside  therefore  the  old  and  sour, 
and  evil  leaven  ;  and  be  changed  into  the 
new  leaven,  which  is  Jesus  Christ. 

10  Be  ye  salted  in  him,  le.st  any  one 
among  you  should  be  corrupted ;  for  by 
your  saviour  ye  .shall  be  '  judged. 

11  It  is  absurd  to  name  Jesus  Christ, 
and  to  Judaize.  For  the  christian  religion 
did  not  "embrace  the  Jewish,  but  the 
Jewish  the  christian  ;  that  so  everj-  tongue 
that  believed  might  be  gathered  together 
unto  God. 

12  These  things,  my  beloved,  I  write 
unto  you  ;  not  that  I  know  of  any  among 
you  that  ^lie  under  this  error:  but  as 
"  one  of  the  least  among  you,  I  am  desi- 
lous  to  forewarn  you  that  ye  fall  not  into 
the  "  snares  of  •,  .lin  doctrine: 

13  But  that  ye  be  fully  instructed  in 
the  birth,  and  suffering,  and  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ,  our  hope  ;  which  was 
accomplished  in  the  time  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Pontius  Pilate,  and  that  most 
truly  and  ^certainly  ;  and  from  which  God 
forbid  that  any  among  you  .should  be 
turned  aside. 


1  Things,  m  Or,  living  according  to.  n  Or  which. 
o  Received,  p  Without,  q  Matt,  xxvii.  2.  r  Vid. 
Annot.  Voss.  in  loc.  should  he  have  imitated  our 
works,  Gr.  '  More  than,  t  Convicted,  overthrown. 
"Believe.  *  Have  yourselves  so.  w  Lesser  than 
you.     J!  HooVs.     y  Firmly. 


Commends  subjection 


CHAP.  IV. 


1  Commends  their  faith  and  piety  :  7  exhorts  tliem 
to  persevere  :  10  desires  their  prayers  for  himself 
and  the  church  of  Antioch. 

M4  Y  I  therefore  have  joy  of  you  in 
all  things,  if  I  shall  be  worthy  of 
i(.  For  though  I  am  bound,  yet  am  I 
not  worthy  to  be  compared  to  one  of  )^ou 
that  are  at  liberty. 

2  1  know  that  j'e  are  not  puffed  up  ; 
for  ye  have  Jesus  Christ  "^in  your  hearts. 

3  And  especially  when  I  commend 
}fou,  I  know  that  ye  are  ashamed,  as  it  is 
written  *  The  just  man  condemneth  him- 
self. 

4  Study  therefore  to  be  confirmed  in  the 
doctrine  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Apostles ; 
that  so  whatsoever  ye  do,  ye  may  prosper 
both  in  body  and  spirit ;  in  faith  and  char- 
ity ;  in  the  Son,  and  in  the  Father,  and  in 
the  Holy  Spirit ;  in  the  beginning,  and  in 
the  end. 

5  Together  with  your  most  worthy 
bishop,  and  the  ••  well- wrought  spiritual 
crown  of  your  presbytery;  and  your 
deacons  which  are  according  to  God. 

6  Be  subject  to  your  bishop,  and  to  one 
another,  as  Jesus  Christ  to  the  Father  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh  ;  and  the  Apostles  both 


TRALLIANS.  to  bishops,  priests,  <^c. 


to  Christ  and  to  the  Father,  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost;  that  so  ye  may  '^  be  united 
both  in  body  and  spirit. 

7  ^  Knowing  you  to  be  full  of  God,  1 
have  the  more  briefly  exhorted  you. 

8  Be  mindful  of  me  in  your  prayers, 
that  I  may  <=  attain  unto  God  ;  and  of  the 
church  that  is  in  Syria,  from  ''which  1 
am  not  worthy  to  be  called. 

9  For  I  stand  in  need  of  your  joint- 
prayers  in  God,  and  of  your  charity,  that 
the  church  which  is  in  Syiia  may  be 
thought  worthy  to  be  s  nourished  by  your 
church. 

10  The  Ephesians  ''from  Smyrna  sa- 
lute you,  from  which  place  I  write  unto 
you ;  (being  present  here  to  the  glorj'  of 
God,  in  like  manner  as  you  are,)  who 
have  in  all  things  refreshed  me  ;  together 
with  Polycarp  the  bishop  of  the  Smyrnae- 
ans. 

1 1  The  rest  of  the  churches  in  the  hon- 
our of  Jesus  Christ,  salute  you. 

12  'Farewell,  and  be  ye  strengthened 
in  the  concord  of  God  ;  ''  enjoying  his  in- 
separable spirit,  which  is  Jesus  Christ. 


IT   To  the  Magnesians. 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  TRALLIANS. 


CHAP.  I. 

I  Acknowledges  tlie  coming  oftlieir  bishop.  5  Com- 
mends them  for  their  subjection  to  their  bish- 
op, priests,  and  deacons ;  and  exhorts  them  to 
continue  in  it:  15  is  afraid  even  of  iiis  over-great 
desire  to  suffer,  lest  it  should  be  prejudicial  to 
him. 

IGNATIUS,  vvho  is  also  called  Theo- 
phorus,  to  the  holy  church,  which  is 
at  Tralles  in  Asia ;  beloved  of  God,  the 
Father  of  Jesus  Christ ;  elect  and  worthy 
of  God;  having  peace  ^through  the  flesh 
and  blood  and  passion  of  Jesus  Christ 
Gin-  hope ;  in  the  resurrection  which  is 


z  In  yourselves.  ^Prov.  xviii.  17,  Sept.  b  Worthi- 
ly complicated,  c  There  may  be  a  union  both  flesh- 
ly and  spiritual.  JEph.  i'ii.  19.  e  Find,  enjoy. 
t  Whence.  g  Bedewed.  Vid.  Epist.  Interpol,  iri 
loc.  !i  Which  came  to  Smyrna  upon  my  account. 
1  "E;;pcJ(T0£.      li  Possessing,     a  In. 


'•  by  him  :  which  al.so  1  salute  in  its  ful- 
ness, continuing  in  the  apostolical  cha- 
racter;  wishing  all  joy  and  happiness 
unto  it. 

2  I  have  <■  heard  of  your  blameless  and 
■*  constant  disposition  through  patience, 
which  not  "^  only  appears  in  your  outi 
ward  conversation,  but  it  is  naturally 
rooted  and  grounded  in  you. 

3  In  like  manner  as  Polybius  your 
bishop  has  declared  unto  me ;  who  came 
to  me  to  Smyrna,  by  the  will  of  God  and 
Jesus  Chri.?t ;  and  so  rejoiced  together 
with  me  Hn  my  bonds  for  Jesus  Christ, 
that  in  effect  I  .saw  your  whole  e  church 
ill  him. 


bUnto.  cKnown.  -i  Inseparable  mind.  eWhich 
you  have  not  according  to  use,  but  nccordin"  to 
possession,     f  Who  am  bound,    g  Multitjde       ' 

111 


Warns  against  heresy. 


tRALLIANS. 


l^xhorts  to  humility, 


4  Having  therefore  received  the  i-testi- 
mony  of  your  good  wijl  towards  me  'for 
God's  sake,  by  hiin  ;  ''I  seemed  to  find 
you,  as  also  I  knew  that  ye  were  the  'fol- 
lowers of  God. 

5  For  "whereas  ye  are  subject  to  your 
bishop  as  to  Jesus  Christ,  ye  appear  to  me 
to  live  not  after  the  manner  of  men,  but 
according  to  Jesus  Christ ;  who  died  for 
us,  that  so  believing  in  his  death,  ye 
might  "escape  death. 

6  It  is  therefore  necessary,  that  as  ye 
do,  so  without  your  bishop,  you  should 
do  nothing :  also  be  ye  subject  to  your 
presbyters,  as  to  the  Apostles  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  hope  ;  in  whom  if  we  walk, 
n'e  shall  be  found  in  him. 

7  "The  deacons  also,  as  being  the  min- 
isters of  the  mysteries  of  Jesus  Christ, 
must  by  all  means  please  all.  For  they 
are  not  the  Pministers  of  meat  and  drink, 
but  of  the  church  of  God.  Wherefore 
they  must  avoid  all  offences,  as  they 
would  do  fire. 

8  In  like  manner  let  all  reverence  the 
deacons  las  Jesus  Christ ;  and  the  bishop 
as  the  Father ;  and  the  presbyters  as  the 
Sanhedrim  of  God,  and  college  of  the 
Apostles. 

9  Without  these  there  is  no  ''church. 
Concerning  all  which  I  am  persuaded 
that  ye  'think  after  the  very  same  man- 
ner :  for  I  have  received,  and  even  now 
have  with  me  the  pattern  of  your  love,  in 
your  bishop. 

10  Who.se  very  Mook  is  instructive; 
and  whose  mildness,  "powerful :  'whom 
I  am  persuaded,  the  very  Atheists  them- 
selves cannot  but  reverence. 

1 1  But  because  I  have  a  love  towards 
5'ou,  1  will  not  write  any  more  sharply 
unto  you  about  this  matter,  though  I  very 
well  might ;  but  now  I  have  done  so ; 
lest  being  a  condemned  man,  I  should 
i^eem  to  prescribe  to  you  as  an  Apostle. 

12  I  have  "great  knowledge  in  God; 
but  I  "refrain  myself,  lest  I  should  perish 
in  my  boasting. 

13  For  now  I  ought  the  more  to  fear; 
and  not  hearken  to  those  that  would  puff' 
me  up. 

14  For  they  that  speak  to  me  in  my 
praise,  chasten  me. 

li  Your  benevolence.  >  According  to  God.  k  Vid. 
Voss.  in  loc.  1  Imitators,  m  When.  i  Flee  from. 
0  Vid.  Voss.  ill  loc  p  Deacons.  q  As  also  the 
bishop  like  Jesus  Christ  the  Son  of  the  Father.  Voss. 
in  loc.  vid.  aliter  Cotel.  r  A  church  is  not  called. 
»  So  do.  t  Habit  of  body,  is  great  instruction, 
u  Power.  V  Vid.  Voss.  et  Usserium  in  loc.  "  I 
understand  many  things,    x  Measure.     X12 


15  For  I  indeed  -^'desire  to  suffer,  but  I 
cannot  tell  whether  1  am  worthy  so  to  do. 

16  'And  this  desiie,  though  to  others 
it  does  not  appear,  yet  to  myself  it  is  for 
that  very  reason  the  more  violent.  I 
have,  therefore,  need  of  "moderation  ;  by 
which  the  prince  of  this  world  is  destroy- 
ed. 

17  Am  I  not  able  to  write  to  you  of 
heavenly  things  .'  But  I  fear  lest  I  .should 
harm  you,  who  are  yet  but  babes  in 
Christ :  (excuse  me  this  care  ;)  and  lest 
perchance  being  not  able  to  receive  them, 
ye  should  be  choaked  with  them. 

18  For  even  I  myself,  although  I  am 
in  bonds,  yet  am  not  therefore  able  to 
understand  heavenly  things : 

19  As  the  ''places  of  the  angels,  and 
the  several  companies  of  them,  under 
their  respective  princes ;  things  visible 
and  invisible ;  but  in  these  I  am  yet  a 
learner. 

20  For  many  things  are  wanting  to  us, 
that  we  come  not  short  of  God. 

CHAP.  II. 

1  Warns  them  against  lieretics  ;  4  exhorts  them  to 
humility  and  unity  ;  10  briefly  sets  before  them  the 
true  doctrine  concerning  Christ. 

I  EXHORT  you  therefore,  or  rather 
not  I,  but  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
that  ye  use  none  but  christian  nourish- 
ment ;  abstain  from  pasture  which  is  of 
another  kind,  I  mean  heresy. 

2  "^For  they  that  are  heretics,  confound 
together  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ  with 
their  own  poison  ;  ''whilst  they  seem 
worthy  of  belief : 

3  As  men  give  a  deadly  potion  mixed 
with  sweet  wine ;  which  he  who  is  igno- 
rant of,  does  with  the  treacherous  plea- 
sure sweetly  drink  in  his  own  death. 

*  4  Wherefore  guard  yourselves  against 
such  persons.  And  that  you  will  do  if 
you  are  not  pufi^ed  up  ;  but  continue  in- 
separable from  Jesus  Christ  our  God,  and 
from  your  bishop,  and  from  the  com- 
mands of  the  Apostles. 

5  ^He  that  is  within  the  altar  is  pure  : 
but  he  that  is  without,  that  is,  that  does 
any  thing  without  the  bishop,  and  pres- 
byters, and  deacons,  is  not  pure  in  his 
conscience. 

6  Not  that  I  know  there  is  any  thing 


y  Love.  2  Vid.  Annot.  Vossii  in  loc.  a  Mildness. 
b  Orders.  c  Vid.  de  hoc  loco  conjecturus  Vossii, 
Cotelerii,  et  Junii  apud  Usserium.  C'omp.  Epist.  In- 
terpol, in  loc.  et.  Voss.  Annot.  in  Epist.  ad.  Phil.  p. 
281.  d  Being  believed  for  their  dignity,  e  Vid.  Us- 
serii  Obs,  Marg.  Comp.  Coteler.  ib. 


Unity,  and  prayer. 


TRALLIANS. 


for  the  church. 


of  this  nature  among  you ;  but  I  fore-arm 
you,  as  being  greatly  beloved  by  me,  fore- 
seeing the  snares  of  ihe  devil. 

7  Wherefore  putting  on  meekness,  re- 
new yourselves  in  faith,  that  is,  the  flesh 
of  the  Lord;  and  iu  charity,  that  is,  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 

8  Let  no  man  have  ""any  grudge  against 
his  neighbour.  Give  no  occasion  to  the 
Gentiles  ;  lest  by  means  of  a  few  foolish 
men,  the  whole  congregation  of  God  be 
evil  spoken  of. 

9  For  wo  to  that  man  sthrough  whose 
vanity  my  name  is  blasphemed  by  any. 

10  Stop  your  ears  therefore,  as  often 
as  any  one  shall  speak  ''contrary  to  Jesus 
Christ;  who  was  of  the  race  of  David, 
of  the  Virgin  Mary. 

1 1  Who  was  truly  born,  and  did  eat 
and  drink;  was  truly  persecuted  under 
Pontius  Pilate ;  was  truly  crucified  and 
dead ;  both  those  in  heaven  and  on  earth, 
and  under  the  earth  '  being  spectators 
of  it. 

12  'Who  was  also  truly  raised  from 
the  dead  ''by  his  Father,  after  the  same 
manner  as  'he  will  also  raise  up  us  who 
believe  in  him,  by  Christ  Jesus  ;  without 
whom  we  have  no  true  life. 

13  But  if  as  some  who  are  Atheists, 
that  is  to  say  infidels,  pretend,  that  he 
only  seemed  to  suffer:  (they  themselves 
only  seeming  to  exist)  why  then  am  I 
bound .'  Why  do  I  desire  to  fight  with 
beasts.'  Therefore  do  1  die  in  vain: 
therefore  I  will  not  speak  falsely  against 
the  Lord. 

14  Flee  therefore  these  evil  ""sprouts 
Avhich  bring  forth  deadly  fruit;  of  which 
if  any  one  taste,  he  shall  presently  die. 

15  For  these  are  not  the  plants  of  the 
Father;  seeing  if  they  were,  they  would 
appear  to  be  the  branches  of  the  cross, 
and  their  fruit  would  be  incorruptible :  by 
which  he  itivites  you  through  his  passion, 
who  are  members  of  him. 

16  For  the  head  cannot  be  without  its 


f  Anything.  g  Through  whom  in  vanity,  Isaiah 
Hi.  5.  h  Without,  i  Seeing,  or  looking  on.  k  His 
Father  raising  him.     1  The  Father,     "i  plants. 


members,  God  having  promised  a  union* 
that  is,  himself. 

CHAP    III 

lie  again  exhorts  to  unity  :  and  desires  theit  prayers 
for  himself  and  for  his  church  at  Antioch. 

I  SALUTE  you  from  Smyrna,  "together 
with  the  churches  of  God  that  are  pre- 
sent with  me ;  who  have  refreshed  me  in  all 
things,  both  in  the  flesh  and  in  the  spirit. 

2  My  bonds,  which  1  carry  about  me 
for  the  sake  of  Christ,  (beseeching  him 
that  I  may  attain  unto  God)  exhort  you, 
that  you  continue  in  "concord  among  your- 
selves, and  in  prayer  with  one  another. 

3  For  it  becomes  every  one  of  you, 
especially  the  presbyters,  to  refresh  the 
bishop,  to  the  honor  of  the  Father,  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  of  the  Apostles. 

4  I  beseech  you,  that  you  hearken  to 
me  in  love ;  that  I  may  not  Pby  those 
things  which  [  write,  rise  up  in  witness 
against  you. 

5  Pray  also  for  me  ;  who  through  the 
mercy  of  God  st-.nd  in  need  of  your  pray- 
ers, that  I  may  be  worthy  of  the  portion 
which  I  am  about  to  obtain,  that  I  be  not 
found  a  reprobate. 

6  The  love  of  those  who  are  at  Smyr- 
na and  Ephesus  salute  you.  Remember 
in  your  prayers  the  church  of  Syria,  from 
which  I  am  not  worthy  to  be  called,  be- 
ing one  of  the  least  of  lit. 

7  Fare  ye  well  in  Jesus  Chiist ;  being 
subject  to  your  bishop  as  to  the  command 
of  God  ;  and  so  likewise  to  the  presbytery. 

8  Love  every  one  his  brother  with 
an  •'unfeigned  heart.  'My  soul  be  youi 
expiation,  not  only  now,  but  when  1 
shall  have  attained  unto  God  :  for  I  am 
yet  under  danger. 

9  But  the  Father  is  faithful  in  Jesus 
Christ,  to  fulfil  both  mine  and  your  pe- 
tition :  in  whom  may  ye  be  found  un- 
blamable. 

IT   To  ihe  TraUians. 


n  i.  e    The  delegates  of  the  church.  The  con- 

cord of  you.  P  Be  a  testimony  among  you,  writing, 
q  Them.  r  Undivided.  •  Vid.  Annol.  Vossii.  et 
Coteler.  in  loc. 

113 


Hopes  to  suffer 


ROMANS. 


for  Christ^  s  sake 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  ROMANS. 


CHAP.  I. 

1  He  testifies  his  desire  to  see,  and  his  hopes  of  suf- 
fering for  Christ.  5  wliich  he  earnestly  entreats 
them  not  to  prevent,  10  but  pray  for  him,  tliat 
God  would  strengthen  him  to  the  combat. 

IGNATIUS,  "  who  is  also  called  The- 
ophorus,  to  the  church  which  has  ob- 
tained mercy  •>  from  the  majesty  of  the 
Most  High  Father,  and  his  only  <=  begot- 
ten Son  Jesus  Christ ;  beloved,  and  illu- 
minated <*  through  the  will  of  him  who 
willeth  all  things  which  are  according  to 
the  love  of  Jesus  Chnst  our '  God  ;  which 
also  presides  in  the  f  place  of  the  region 
of  the  Romans;  and  which  ^I  salute  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  (''  as  being) 
united  both  in  flesh  and  spirit  to  all  his 
commands,  and  '  filled  with  the  grace  of 
God  ;  k  (all  joy)  in  Jesus  Christ  our  God. 

2  '  Forasmuch  as  I  have  at  last  ""  ob- 
tained through  my  prayers  to  God,  to  see 
your  "  faces,  •  which  I  much  desired  to 
do ;  being  bound  in  Christ  Jesus,  I  hope 
ere  long  to  salute  you,  if  it  shall  be  the 
will  P  of  God  to  grant  me  to  attain  unto 
the  end  I  long  for. 

3  For  the  beginning  is  well  disposed, 
if  I  shall  but  have  grace,  without  hin- 
drance, to  receive  'iwhat  is  appointed  foi 
me. 

4  But  I  fear  your  love  lest  it  do  me  an  in- 
jury. For  it  is  easy  for  you  to  do  what 
you  please  ;  but  it  ■■  will  be  hard  for  me 
to  attain  unto  God,  if  you  spare  me. 

5  But  I  '  would  not  that  ye  should 
please  men,  but  God  ;  «  whom  also  ye  do 
please.  For  neither  shall  I  ever  hereaf- 
ter have  such  an  opportunity  "of  going 
unto  God;  nor  will  you,  if  ye  shall  now 
be  silent,  ever  be  "entitled  to  a  better 
work.  For  if  you  shall  be  silent  ''  in  my 
behalf,  I  shall  be  made  partaker  of  God. 


I  Vid.  Pearson.  Vind.   fgnat.    par.   3  chap, 
xvi.  p.  214.      b  In.      <:  Omitted,  Gr.      d  In 


2,  ch. 
God; 


which  also  presides  in  the  place  of  the  region  of  the 
Romans,  worthy  of  God  ;  most  decent,  most  blessed, 
most  i)raised,  most  worthy  to  obtain  what  it  desires; 
most  pure,  most,  charitable,  called  by  the  name  of 
Christ  and  the  Father  ;  Gr.  f  Type  of  the  chorus,  i. 
e.  the  Church  of  the  Romans.  See  Voss.  Annot,  in 
loc.  e  Also.  h  (The  Son  of  the  Father  ;  to  those 
who  are— Gr.)  '  Wholly  fdled,  Gr.  k  (Being  ab- 
solutely separated  from  any  other  color  ;  much  pure, 
or  immaculate  joy.)  1  Gr.  m  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in 
loc.  n  Worthy  of  God.  o  And  have  received  even 
more  than  I  asked,  being  bound.  P  Gr.  q  My  lot. 
'Is.  "I  will  not  please  you  as  men,  Gr.  t  As.  "At- 
taining unto.     V  From  me. 

114 


6  But  if  you  shall  love  my  ^^  body,  I 
shall  have  my  course  again  to  run. 
Wherefore  ye  cannot  do  me  a  greater 
kindness,  than  to  sufTer  me  to  be  sacri- 
ficed unto  God,  now  that  the  altar  is  al- 
ready prepared  : 

7  That  "when  ye  shall  be  gathered 
together  in  love,  ye  may  >■  give  thanks  to 
the  Father  through  Christ  Jesus;  that  he 
has  vouchsafed  ^  to  bring  a  bishop  of  Sy- 
ria unto  you,  being  called  from  the  east 
unto  the  west. 

8  For  it  is  good  for  me  to  set  from  the 
world,  unto  God;  that  I  may  rise  again 
unto  him. 

9  Ye  have  never  envied  any  one ;  ye 
have  taught  others.  I  would  therefore 
that  ye  *  should  now  do  those  things 
yourselves,  which  in  your  instructions 
you  have  ''  prescribed  to  others. 

10  Only  pray  for  me,  that  God  would 
give  me  both  inward  and  outward  strength, 
that  I  may  not  only  say,  but  will ;  nor 
be  only  called  a  christian,  but  be  found 
one. 

1 1  For  if  1  shall  be  found  a  christian, 
I  may  then  deservedly  be  called  one  : 
Anrt  be  thought  faithful,  when  I  shall  no 
longer  appear  to  the  world. 

12  Nothing  is  <=  good,  that  is  seen. 

13  For  even  our  God,  Jesus  Christ, 
now  that  he  is  in  the  Father,  does  so 
much  the  more  appear. 

14  A  christian  is  not  a  work  of  "^  opin- 
ion ;  but  of  greatness  of  mind,  ("^  especial- 
ly when  he  is  hated  by  the  world). 

CHAP.  If. 

Expresses  his  great  desire  and  determination  to  suf- 
fer martyrdom. 

I  WRITE  to  the  churches,  and  •"  signify 
to  them  all,  that  I  am  willing  to  die 
for  God,  unless  you  s  hinder  me. 

2  I  beseech  you  that  you  ''  shew  not 
an  unseasonable  good  will  towards  me. 
Sufler  me  to  be  food  to  the  wild  beasts; 
by  whom  I  shall  attain  imto  God. 

w  Flesh.  X  Being  become  a  chorus.  y  Sing, 
z  That  a  bishop  of  Syria  should  be  found.  a  That 
those  things  also  should  be  firm.  b  Commanded. 
Vid.  Annot.  Usseri  in  loc.  N.  20,  27.  c  Nothing 
that  is  seen  is  eternal  :  for  the  things  which  are  seen 
are  temporal,  but  the  things  that  are  not  seen  are 
eternal,  d  Persuasion,  or  silence.  Gr.  e  (Desunt, 
Gr.)  f  Vid.  Usser.  Annot.  N.  31.  g  Forbid  me. 
h  Be  not. 


Earnestly  desires 


ROMANS. 


Martyrdom. 


3  For  I  am  the  wheat  of  God  ;  and  I 
shall  be  ground  by  the  teeth  of  the  wild 
beasts,  that  I  may  be  found  the  pure 
bread  '  of  Christ. 

4  Rather  ^  encourage  the  beasts,  that 
they  may  become  my  sepulchre  ;  and  may 
leave  nothing  of  my  body ;  that  being 
dead,  I  may  not  be  troublesome  to  any. 

5  Then  shall  I  be  truly  the  disciple  of 
Jesus  Christ,  when  the  world  shall  not 
see  so  much  as  my  body.  Pray  there- 
fore unto  Christ  for  me,  that  by  these  in- 
struments I  may  be  made  the  sacrifice 
'of  God. 

6  I  do  not,  as  Peter  and  Paul,  com- 
mand you.  They  were  Apostles,  I  a 
condemned  man  ;  they  were  free,  but  I 
am  even  to  this  day  a  servant : 

7  But  if  I  shall  suffer,  I  shall  then  be- 
come the  freeman  of  Jesus  Christ,  and 
.shall  rise  '"  free.  And  now,  being  in 
bonds,  I  learn  not  to  desire  "  anything. 

8  From  Syria  even  unto  Rome,  I  fight 
•with  beasts  both  by  ,sea  and  land;  both 
night  and  day  :  being  bound  to  ten  leop- 
ards, that  is  to  say,  to  such  a  band  of  sol- 
diers; who  though  treated  w'nh  all  man- 
ner of  kindness,  are  the  worse  for  it. 

9  But  I  am  the  more  instructed  by 
their  injuries ;  o  yet  I  am  not  therefore 
justified. 

10  May  I  enjoy  the  wild  beasts  that 
are  prepared  for  me  ;  which  also  I  wish 
may  I'exercise  all  their  fierceness  upon  me. 

11  And  whom  for  that  end  1  will 
1  encourage,  that  they  may  be  sure  to  de- 
vour me,  and  not  serve  me  as  they  have 
done  some,  whom  out  of  fear  they  have 
not  touched.  But,  and  if  they  will  not 
do  it  willingly,  I  will  provoke  them  to  it. 

12  Pardon  me  in  this  matter;  I  know 
what  is  profitable  for  me.  Now  I  begin 
to  f  be  a  disciple :  Nor  '  shall  anything 
move  me,  whether  visible  or  invisible, 
that  I  may  attain  to  Christ  Jesus 

13  Let  fire  and  the  cross ;  let  the  '  com- 
panies of  wild  beasts  ;  "  let  breakings  of 
bones,  and  tearing  of  members  ;  let  the 
^  shattering  in  pieces  of  the  whole  body, 
and  all  '■''  the  wicked  torments  of  the  devil 
come  upon  me  ;  only  let "  me  enjoy  Je- 
sus Christ. 

i  Vid.  Vet.  I.at.  Jnterp.  et  Annot.  Usser.  N.  32. 
k  Flatter.  1  Desunt,  Gr.  m  Free  in  him,  Gr.  n  Any 
worldly  or  vain  things,  Gr.  o  l  Cor.  iv.  4.  p  Vid. 
Voss.  in  loc.  Usser.  Annot.  N.  48.  May  be  ready 
for  me,  Gr.  q  Usser.  Annot.  N.48.  r  Luke,  xiv. 
27.  9  Vid.  Coteler.  in.  loc.  Rom.  viii.  38,  ,39. 

t  Force,  or  rage.  u  Let  tearings  and  rendings,  Gr 
V  Vid.  Usser.  Annot.  N.  56.  w  lb.  N.  57.  x  That 
I  may. 


14  All  the  y  ends  of  the  world,  and  the 
kingdoms  '^of  it,  will  profit  me  nothing  : 
I  would  rather  die  ''  for  Jesus  Christ,  than 
rule  to  the  utmost  ends  of 'the  earth 
''Him  1  seek  who  died  for  us  :  him  I  de- 
sire that  rose  again  for  us.  This  is  the 
'  gain  that  is  laid  up  for  me. 

15  Pardon  me,  my  brethren,  ye  shall 
not  hinder  me  from  living  :  (^  Nor  see- 
ing I  desire  to  go  to  God,  may  you  sepa- 
rate me  from  him,  for  the  sake  of  this 
world  ;  nor  seduce  me  by  any  of  the  •"  do- 
sires  of  it).  Suffer  me  to  'enter  into  pure 
light :  Where  being  come,  1  shall  be  in- 
deed the  s  .servant  of  ''  God. 

16  Permit  me  imitate  the  passion  of 
my  God.     If  any  one  has  him   within 
himself,  let  him  consider  what  I  desire  ; 
and  let  him  have  compassion  on  me,  as  '' 
knowing  '  how  1  am  straightened. 

CHAP.  III. 

Further  expresses  his  desire  to  suffer. 

THE  prince  of  this  world  would  fain 
carry  me  away,  and  corrupt  my 
^  resolution  towards  my  God.  Let  none 
of  you  '  therefore  help  '"  him  :  Rather  do 
ye  join  with  me,  that  is,  with  God. 

2  Do  not  speak  with  Jesus  Christ,  and 
yet  covet  the  world.  Let  not  any  envy 
dwell  with  you:  No  not  though  1  my- 
self, when  I  shall  be  come  unto  you, 
should  exhort  you  to  it,  yet  do  not  ye 
hearken  to  me ;  but  rather  believe  what 
I  now  write  to  you. 

3  For  though  I  am  alive  at  the  writing 
this,  yet  my  desire  is  to  die.  My  love 
is  crucified ;  "  (and  the  "  fire  that  is  with- 
in me  does  not  desire  any  water:  but 
being  alive  and  i*  springing  within  me, 
.says,)  Come  to  the  Father. 

4  I  take  no  pleasure  in  the  food  of 
corruption,  nor  in  the  pleasures  of  this 
life. 

5  [  desire  the  bread  of  God,  n  which  is 
the  flesh  of  Jesus  Christ,  ('of  the  seed  of 


yGr.  Pleasures.  z  Of  this  age.  a  Gr.  unto, 
b  For  what  is  a  man  profitted  if  he  shall  gain  the 
whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul,  Gr.  Add.  c  Usu- 
ry. Gr.  Vid.  Voss.  Correct,  p.  :i01.  <1  Nor  desire 
that  I  should  die,  who  seek  to  go  to  God,  rejoice  not 
in  the  world.  Gr.  <>  By  matter.  f  Take  :  lay  liold 
on.  g  Man.  b  Vid,  Annot.  Voss.  in  loc.  'What 
things  constrain  me.  k  Mind  :  will.  I  Who  are 
present,  m  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  n  (And  there 
is  not  any  fire  in  me  that  loves  matter,  but  living  and 
speaking  water  saying  within  me.  Gr.)  o  Coteler. 
aliter  explicat.  Annot.  in  loc.  Usser.  N.  79.  p  Voss. 
in  loc.  Contr.  Coteler.  q,  v.  q  The  heavenly  bread 
which  is,  Gr.  r  (The  Son  of  God  made  in  these 

last  times  of  the  seed  of  David  and   Abraham,  aod 
the  drink  of  God  that  I  long  for.  Gr. 

115 


Commends  tTieir 


PHILADELPHIANS. 


bishop. 


David ;  and  the  drink  1  long  for)  is  his 
blood,  which  is  incorruptible  love.* 

6  I  have  no  desire  to  live  any  longer 
after  the  manner  of  men;  ^neither  shall 
I,  if  you  consent.  Be  ye  therefore  willing 
that  ye  yourselves  also  may  be  "  pleasing 
to  God.  I  "  exhort  you  ^  in  a  few  words; 
I  pray  you  believe  me. 

7  Jesus  Christ  will  show  you  that  I 
speak  truly.  My  mouth  is  without  de- 
ceit, and  the  Father  hath  truly  spoken 
"  by  it.  Pray  therefore  for  me,  that  I 
may  accomplish  what  I  desire. 

8  I  have  not  written  to  you  after  the 
flesh,  but  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
If  I  shall  sutTer,  vye  have  loved  me:  but 
if  I  shall  be  rejected,  '^  j'e  have  hated  me. 

Eemember  in  your  prayers  the  church 
of  Syria,  which  now  enjoys  God  for  its 
shepherd  in.stead  of  me :  '^  Let  Jesus 
Christ  only  ''  oversee  it,  and  your  char- 
ity. 

10  But  [  am  even  ashamed  to  be  reck- 
oned as  one  of  them  :  For  neither  am  I 
worthy,  being  the  least  among  them,  and 
as  one  'born  out  of  due  season.     But 


through   mercy  I  have  obtained  to  be 
somebody,  if  I  shall  get  unto  God. 

1 1  My  spirit  salutes  you ;  and  the 
charity  of  the  Churches  that  have  receiv- 
ed me  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ ;  not 
as  a  passenger.  For  even  they  that  were 
not  near  to  me  in  the  way,  have  gone  be- 
fore me  to  the  next  city  to  meet  me. 

12  These  things  1  write  to  you  from 
Smyrna,  by  the  most  worthy  of  the 
church  of  Ephesus. 

13  There  is  now  with  me,  together 
with  many  others.  Crocus,  most  beloved 
of  me.  As  for  those  which  are  ''  come 
from  Syria,  and  are  gone  before  me  to 
Rome,  to  the  glory  of  God,  I  suppose  you 
are  not  ignorant  of  them. 

14  Ye  shall  therefore  signify  to  them 
that  I  draw  near,  for  they  are  all  worthy 
both  of  God  and  of  you  :  Whom  it  is  fit 
that  you  refresh  in  all  things. 

1 5  This  have  I  written  to  you,  the  day 
before  the  ninth  of  the  calends  of  Sep- 
tember. ^  Be  strong  unto  the  end  in  tne 
patience  of  Jesus  Christ.' 

f   To  the  Romans. 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  PHILADELPHIANS. 


CHAP.  I 

Commends  their  bishop,  whom  they  had  sent  unto 
him,  5  warns  them  again.st  divisions  and  schism. 

IGNATIUS,  who  is  also  called  Theo- 
phorus,  to  the  church  of  God  the  father 
and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  which  is  at 
Philadelphia  in  Asia  ;  Avhich  has  obtain- 
ed mercy,  being  fixed  in  the  concord  of 
God,  and  rejoicing  '•evermore  in  the  pas- 
sion of  our  Lord,  and  being  fulfilled  in  all 
mercy  through  his  resurrection  :  Which 
also  I  salute  in  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ, 
•»  which  is  our  eternal  and  undefiled  joy; 
especially  if  they  are  at  unity  with  the 
bishop,  and  presbyters  who  are  Avith  him, 
and  the  deacons  appointed  "^  according  to 
the  "i  mind  of  Jesus  Christ ;  whom  he  has 

sGr.  Adds.  And  perpetual  life,  t  And  that  shall 
be.  u  Willed,  v  Vid.  Annoi.  Voss.  in  loc.  w  By 
a  short  letter,  x  In.  y  Ye  have  willed  it.  2  Viz. 
a3  unworthy  to  suffer.  a  Vid.  Vet.  Interp,  Lat. 
b  Shall  oversee  it.  clCor.  xv.8.  d  Vid.  Vet.  In- 
terp. Lat.  e  That  is,  the  xxiiid  of  August,  Gr. 
f  Amen,  Gr.  a  Inseparably.  b  Vid.  Vet.  Interp. 
Lat.      c  In.    <J  Will,  order. 

116 


settled  according  to  his  own  will  in  all 
firmness  by  his  Holy  Spirit : 

2  Which  bishop  I  know  obtained « that 
great  ministry  among  you,  not  of  himself, 
neither  by  men,  nor  out  of  vain  glory  ; 
but  fby  the  love  of  God  the  Father  and 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ : 

3  Whose  moderation  s  I  admire  ;  who 
by  his  silence  is  able  to  do  more  than 
''  others  with  all  their  vain  talk.  For  he 
is  fitted  to  the  commands,  as  the  harp  to 
its  strings. 

4  Wherefore  my  soul  e.steems  his  mind 
towards  God  most  happy,  knowing  it  to 
be  fruitful  in  all  virtue,  and  perfect ;  full 
of  constancy,  free  from  passion,  '  and  ac- 
cording to  all  the  moderation  of  the  liv- 
ing God. 

5  Wherefore  as  becomes  the  children 
both  of  the  light  and  of  truth,  flee  divis- 

e  Ministry  belonging  to  the  public,  fin.  g  Has 
struck  me  with  wonder.  b  Those  that  speak  vain 
things,     i  In. 


Exhorts  to 


PHILADELPHIANS. 


ions  and  false  doctrines  :  but  where  your 
shepherd  is,  there  do  ye,  as  sheep,  follow 
after. 

6  For  there  are  many  wolves  i'  who 
seem  worthy  of  belief,  that  with  a  '  false 
pleasure  lead  captive  those  that  run  in  the 
course  of  God:  but  in  your  concord,  they 
shall  find  no  place. 

7  Abstain  therefore  from  those  evil 
herbs  which  Jesus  Christ  does  not  dress ; 
because  such  are  not  the  plantation  of 
the  Father.  Not  that  I  have  found  any 
division  among  you,  but  rather  all  man- 
ner of  m  purity. 

8  For  as  many  as  are  of  God,  and  of 
Jesus  Christ,  are  also  with  their  bishop. 
And  as  many  as  shall  wMth  repentance 
return  into  the  unity  of  the  church,  even 
these  shall  also  be  the  servants  of  God, 
that  they  may  live  according  to  Jesus 
Christ, 

9  Be  not  deceived,  brethren  :  if  any 
one  follows  him  that  makes  a  .schism  in 
the  church,  he  shall  not  inherit  the  king- 
dom of  God.  If  any  one  w^alks  after  any 
other  opinion  he  agrees  not  with  the  pas- 
eion  of  Christ. 

10  Wherefore  let  it  be  your  endeavour 
to  partake  all  of  the  same  holy  eucharist. 

11  For  there  is  but  one  flesh  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  one  cup  in  the 
unity  of  his  blood  ;  one  altar  ; 

12  As  also  there  is  one  bishop,  togeth- 
er with  his  presbytery,  and  the  deacons 
my  fellow- servants:  that  .so  whatsoever 
ye  do,  ye  may  do  it  according  to  the  ^vill 
of  God. 

CHAP.  II. 

Desires  their  prayers,  and  to  be  united,  but  not  to 
Judaize. 

MY  brethren,  the  love  I  have  towards 
you  makes  me  the  "  more  large  ; 
and  having  a  great  joy  in  you,  I  endeavour 
to  secure  you  against  danger  :  or  rather 
not  I,  but  Jesus  Christ ;  in  whom  being 
bound  I  the  more  fear,  as  being  yet  only 
°  on  the  way  to  suffering. 

2  But  your  prayer  to  God  shall  make 
me  perfect,  that  I  may  attain  to  that  por- 
tion, which  by  God's  mercy  is  allotted  to 
me  ;  fleeing  to  the  Gospel  as  to  the  flesh 
of  Christ ;  and  to  the  Apostles  as  to  the 
presbytery  of  the  church. 

3  Let  us  also  love  the  prophets,  for  as 


k  Vid.  Vossii  Annot.  in  loc.  1  Evil,  m  Cleanness 
made  by  sifting,  n  Very  much  poured  out.  o  Vid. 
Voss.  in  loc.    Imperfect. 


much  as  they  also  have  p  led  us  to  the 
Gospel,  and  to  hope  in  i Christ,  and  to  ex- 
pect him. 

4  In  whom  also  believing  they  were 
saved,  in  the  unity  of  Jesus  Christ ;  be- 
ing holy  men,  worthy  to  be  loved,  and 
had  in  wonder; 

5  Who  have  received  testimony  from 
Jesus  Christ,  and  are  numbered  in  the 
Gospel  of  our  common  hope. 

6  But  if  any  one  shall  preach  'the 
Jewish  law  unto  you,  hearken  not  unto 
him  :  for  it  is  better  to  receive  the  doc- 
trine of  Christ  from  one  that  has  been 
circumcised,  than  Judaism  from  one  that 
has  not. 

7  But  if  either  the  one,  or  other,  do 
not  speak  concerning  Christ  Jesus  ;  they 
seem  to  me  but  as  monuments  and  sepul- 
chres of  the  dead,  upon  which  are  writ- 
ten only  the  names  of  men. 

8  Flee  therefore  the  wicked  arts  and 
snares  of  the  prince  of  this  world;  lest 
at  any  time  being  oppressed  by  his  'cun- 
ning, ye  grow  t  cold  in  your  charity 
But  come  all  together  into  the  same  place, 
with  an  undivided  heart. 

9  And  I  bless  imy  God  that  I  have  a 
good  conscience  towards  you,  and  that 
no  one  among  you  has  whereof  to  boast 
either  openly  or  privately,  that  I  have 
been  burthensome  to  him  in  much  or 
little. 

]  0  And  I  wish  to  all  among  whom  I 
have  conversed,  that  it  may  turn  to  a 
witness  against  them. 

11  For  although  some  would  have  de- 
ceived me  according  to  the  flesh ;  yet  the 
spirit  being  from  God,  is  not  deceived  : 
for  it  knows  both  whence  it  comes,  and 
whither  it  goes,  and  reproves  the  .secrets 
of  the  heart. 

12  I  cried  whilst  I  was  among  you; 
I  spake  with  a  loud  voice ;  attend  to  the 
bishop,  and  to  the  presbytery,  and  to  the 
deacons. 

13  Now  some  supposed  that  I  spake 
this  as  foreseeing  the  division  "  that 
should  come  among  you. 

14  But  he  is  my  witness  for  whose 
sake  I  am  in  bonds  that  I  knew  nothing 
from  any  "man.  But  the  spirit  spake, 
saying  on  this  wise  ;  Do  nothing  without 
tho  bishop  : 

1 5  Keep  your  "  bodies  as  the  temples 

p  Or  preached  of  the  Gospel  ;  and  hoped  in  him, 
and  expected  him.  q  Vid.  Voss.  in  loc.  r  Juda- 
ism, s  Opinion :  council,  'Weak.  «  Of  some 
T  Flesh.  ' 

117 


On  the  person 


PHILADELPHIANS. 


of  Christ. 


of  God :  Love  unity :  Flee  divisions :  Be 
the  followers  of  Christ,  as  he  was  of  his 
Father. 

16  1  therefore  did  as  became  me,  as  a 
man  composed  to  unity.  For  where 
there  is  division  and  wrath,  God  dwelleth 
not. 

17  But  the  Lord  forgives  all  that  re- 
pent, if  they '"  return  to  the  unity  of  God, 
and  to  the  council  of  the  bishop. 

18  For  I  trust  in  the  grace  of  Jesus 
Christ "  that  he  will  free  you  from  every 
bond. 

19  Nevertheless  I  exhort  you  that  you 
do  nothing  out  of  strife,  but  according  to 
the  instruction  of  Christ. 

20  Because  I  have  heard  of  some  who 
say  ;  Unless  1  find  it  written  in  the  -^  orig- 
inals, I  will  not  believe  it  to  be  written 
in  the  Gospel.  And  when  I  said,  It  is 
written  :  they  answered  what  lay  before 
them  in  their  corrupted  copies. 

21  But  to  me  Jesus  Christ  is  instead  of 
all  the  uncorrupted  monuments  in  the 
world:  together  with  those  ^undefiled 
monuments,  his  cross,  and  death,  and  res- 
urrection, and  the  faith  which  is  by  him: 
by  which  1  desire  through  your  prayers 
to  be  justified. 

22  K  The  priests  indeed  are  good  :  but 
much  better  is  the  High  Priest  to  whom 
the  Holy  of  Holies  has  been  committed ; 
and  who  alone  has  been  entrusted  with 
the  secrets  of  God. 

23  He  is  the  door  of  the  Father:  by 
which  Abraham,  and  Isaac  and  Jacob, 
and  all  the  prophets  enter  in  ;  as  well  as 
the  Apostles  and  the  church. 

24  And  all  these  things  tend  to  the 
unity  which  is  of  God.  Howbeit  the 
Gospel  has  somewhat  in  it  far  above  all 
other  dispensations  ;  namely,  the  appear- 
ance of  our  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  his  passion  and  resurrection. 

25  For  the  beloved  prophets  referred 
to  him  :  but  the  Gospel  is  the  perfection 
of  incorruption.  All  therefore  together 
are  good,  if  ye  believe  with  charity. 


CHAP.  III. 

Informs  them  he  had  heard  that  the  persecution 
was  stopped  at  Antioch  ;  and  directs  them  to 
send  a  messenger  thither,  to  congratulate  with 
the  church. 

NOW  as  concerning  the  church  of 
Antioch  which  is  in  Syria,  seeing 
t  am  told  that  through  your  prayers,  and 
the  bowels  which  ye  have  towards  it  in 
Jesus  Christ,  it  is  in  peace;  it  will  be- 
come you,  as  the  church  of  God,  to  or- 
dain some  *  deacon  to  go  to  them  thither 
as  the  ambassador  of  God  ;  that  he  may 
rejoice  with  them  when  they  meet  togeth- 
er, and  glorify  God's  name. 

2  Blessed  be  that  man  in  Jesus  Christ, 
who  shall  be  found  worthy  of  such  a 
ministry ;  and  ye  yourselves  also  shall  be 
glorified. 

3  Now  if  ye  be  willing,  it  is  not  im- 
possible for  you  to  do  this  for  the  sake 
of  God ;  as  also  the  other  neighbouring 
churches  have  sent  them,  some  bishops, 
some  priests  and  deacons. 

4  As  concerning  Philo  the  deacon  of 
Cilicia,  a  most  worthy  *>  man,  he  still  min- 
isters unto  me  in  the  word  of  God ;  to- 
gether with  Rheus  of  *■  Agathopolis,  a 
singular  good  person,  who  has  followed 
me  even  from  Syria,  not  regarding  his 
life:  These  also  bear  witness  unto  you. 

5  And  I  myself  give  thanks  to  God  for 
you,  that  ye  receive  them  as  the  Lord 
shall  receive  you.  But  for  those  that 
dishonoured  them,  may  they  be  forgiven 
through  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ. 

6  The  charity  of  the  brethren  that  are 
at  Troas  salutes  you  :  from  whence  also 
I  now  write  by  Burrhus,  who  was  sent 
together  with  me  by  those  of  Ephesus 
and  Smyrna,  for  respect  sake. 

7  May  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  honour 
them ;  in  whom  they  hope,  both  in  flesh, 
and  soul,  and  spirit ;  in  faith,  in  love,  in 
unity.  Farewell  in  Christ  Jesus  our  com- 
mon hope. 


"■  Kepent.     ^  H'ho  will  loose  from  you.      y  Arch- 
ives.    Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.     z  Untouched. 

118 


a  Messenger  or  minister.  b  Vossius,  a  martyr  or 
confessor.  Vid.  Annot.  in  loc.  '  Vid.  Vossius  An- 
not in  Ep.  ad  Smwrn.  p.  261.     See  chap.  iii.  ver.  11 


Exhorts  asainst 


SMYRNiEANS. 


heretics. 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  the  SMYRN^ANS. 


CHAP.  I. 

1  Declares  his  joy  for  their  firmness  in  the  Gos- 
pel. 4  Enlarges  on  the  person  of  Christ,  against 
such  as  pretend  that  Christ  did  not  really  suffer. 

IGNATIUS,  who  is  also  called  Theo- 
phovus,  to  the  church  of  God  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  beloved  Je.siis  Christ  ; 
which  God  hath  mercitully  ^  blessed  with 
every  good  gift;  being  filled  with  faith 
and  charity,  so  that  it  is  wanting  in  no 
gift ;  most  worthy  of  God,  and  fruitful 
in  saints  ;  the  church  which  is  at  Sin)'r- 
na  in  Asia ;  all  jo)',  through  his  immac- 
ulate spirit,  and  the  word  of  God. 

2  I  glorify  God,  even  Jesus  Christ, 
who  has  given  you  such  wisdom. 

3  For  1  have  observed  that  you  are 
settled  in  an  immoveable  faith,  as  if  you 
were  nailed  to  tiie  cross  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  both  in  the  flesh  and  in  the 
spirit  ;  and  are  confirmed  in  love  through 
the  blood  of  Christ;  being  fully  persua- 
ded of  those  tilings  which  relate  ^  unto 
our  Lord. 

4  Who  truly  was  of  the  race  of  David 
according  to  the  flesh,  but  the  Son  of 
God  according  to  the  will  and  power  of 
God:  tiuly  born  of  the  Virgin,  and  bap- 
tized of  John  ;  that  so  '^  all  righteousness 
might  be  fulfilled  by  him; 

5  He  was  also  truly  crucified  by  Pon- 
tius Pilate,  and  Herod  the  Telrarch,  be- 
ing nailed  for  us  in  the  flesh ;  by  the 
fruits  of  which  we  are,  even  by  his  most 
blessed  passion  ; 

6  That  he  might  set ''  up  a  token  for 
all  ages  through  his  resurrection,  to  all 
his  holy  and  faithful  .servants,  whether 
they  be  Jews  or  Gentiles  in  one  body  of 
his  church. 

7  Now  all  these  things  he  sufi'ered  for 
us,  that  we  might  be  saved.  And  he 
suffered  truly,  as  he  also  truly  raiised  up 
himself.  And  not,  as  some  unbelievers 
say,  that  he  only  seemed  to  suffer,  they 
themselves  only  .seeming  to  be.^ 

8  And  as  they  believe  so  shall  it  hap- 
pen unto  them ;  when  being  divested  of 
the  body  they  shall  ''become  mere  spirits. 

9  But  I  know  that  even  after  his  res- 


a  Comp.  1  Cor.  i.  5,  7.  b  Unto  the  Lord,  c  Matt, 
iii.  15.  d  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  e  j.  e.  Chris- 
tians,   f  Incorporeal  and  deenioniac. 


urrection  he  was  in  the  flesh ;  and  I  be- 
lieve that  he  is  still  ,so. 

1 0  And  when  he  came  to  those  who 
were  with  Peter,  he  said  unto  them. 
Take,  handle  me,  and  see  that  I  am  not 
an  incorporeal  diemon.  And  straight- 
way they  felt  and  believed ;  being  con- 
vinced both  by  his  flesh  and  spirit. 

1 1  For  this  cause  they  despised  death, 
and  were  found  to  be  above  ''  it. 

12  But  after  his  resurrection  he  did 
eat  and  drink  with  them,  as  he  was  flesh  ; 
although  as  to  his  Spirit  he  was  united 
to  the  Father. 

CHAP.   H. 

1  Exhorts  Ihem  against  heritics.     8  Tlie  danger  of 
their  doctrine. 

NOW  these  things,  beloved,  1  '  put 
you  in  mind  of,  not  questioning 
but  that  you  yourselves  also  ^  believe 
that  they  are  so. 

2  But  I  arm  you  before- hand  against 
certain  beasts  in  the  shape  of  men ; 
whom  you  mu.st  not  only  not  receive, 
but  if  it  be  pos.sible  must  not  meet  with. 

3  Only  you  mu.st  pray  for  them,  that 
if  it  be  the  will  of  God  they  may  repent  ; 
which  yet  will  be  very  hard.  But  of  this 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  the  power, 
who  is  our  true  life. 

4  For  if  all  these  things  were  done  on- 
ly in  shew  by  our  Lord,'  then  do  I  also 
seem  to  be  bound  : 

5  And  why  have  I  given  up  my.self  to 
death,  and  to  the  fire,  to  the  sword,  to 
wnld  beasts .' 

6  But  now  the  nearer  I  am  to  the 
sword,  the  nearer  am  1  to  God  :  when  1 
shall  come  among  the  wild  beasts,  I  shall 
come  to  God. 

7  Only  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  1 
undergo  all,  to  sufli^r  together  with  him  ; 
he  who  was  made  a  perfect  man  strength- 
ening me. 

8  \Vhom  some,  not  knowing,  do  de- 
ny ;  or  rather  have  been  denied  by  him, 
being  the  advocates  of  death,  rather  than 
of  the  truth.  Whom  neither  of  the 
prophecies,  nor  the  law  of  Moses  have 
persuaded  ;  nor  the  Gospel  itself  even  to 


g  Ex.  Evang.  Sec.  Hebr.     See  Dr.  Grabe  Spicile? 
torn.  ii.  p.  25.    h  Death,    i  Admonish,    k  Have  sof ' 

119 


Dangers  of 


SMYRN^ANS. 


heresy. 


this  day,  nor  the  sufferings  of  every  one 
of  us. 

9  For  they  think  also  the  same  things 
of  us.  For  what  does  a  man  profit  me, 
if  he  shall  praise  me,  and  blaspheme 
my  Lord;  not  confessing  that  he  'was 
truly  made  man. 

10  Now  he  that  doth  not  say  this, 
does  in  effect  deny  him,  and  is  in  death. 
But  for  the  names  of  such  as  do  this, 
they  being  unbelievers,  I  thought  it  not 
fitting  to  write  them  unto  you. 

11  Yea.  God  forbid  that  I  should 
make  any  mention  of  them,  till  they  shall 
repent  to  a  true  Ijelief  of  Christ's  passion, 
which  is  our  resurrection. 

12  Let  no  man  deceive  himself;  both 
the  things  which  are  in  heaven,  and  the 
glorious  angels,  and  princes,  whether  vis- 
ible or  invisible,  if  they  believe  not  in  the 
blood  of  Christ  ™  it  shall  be  to  them  to 
condemnation. 

13  "  He  that  is  able  to  receive  this,  let 
him  receive  it.  Let  no  man's  place  °  or 
gtale  in  the  world  puff  him  up :  that 
which  is  worth  all  is  faith  and  charity, 
to  which  nothing  is  to  be  preferred. 

1 4  But  consider  those  who  are  of  a 
different  opinion  from  us,  as  to  what  con- 
cerns the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ  which  is 
come  unto  us,  how  contrary  they  are  to 
the  design  of  God. 

15  They  have  no  regard  to  charity,  no 
care  of  the  widow,  the  fatherless  and  the 
oppressed  ;  of  the  bond  or  free,  of  the 
hungry  or  thirsty. 

16  They  abstain  from  the  eucharist, 
and  from  p  the  public  offices ;  because  they 
confess  not  the  eucharist  to  be  the  flesh  of 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  which  suffer- 
ed for  our  sins,  and  which  the  Father  of 
his  goodness  raised  again  from  the  dead. 

17  And  for  this  cause  contradicting  the 
gift  of  God,  they  die  in  their  disputes: 
'I  but  much  better  would  it  be  for  them  to 
"  receive  it,  that  they  might  one  day  rise 
through  it. 

18  It  will  therefore  become  you  to  ab- 
stain from  such  persons ;  and  not  to 
speak  with  them  neither  in  private  nor 
in  public. 

19  But  to  hearken  to  the  prophets,  and 
especially  to  the  Gospel,  in  which  both 
Christ's  passion  is  manifested  unto  us, 
and  his  resurrection  perfectly  declared. 


20  But  flee  all  divisions  as  the  begin 
ning  of  evils. 

CHAP.  in. 

1  Exhorts  them  to  follow  their  hishop  and  pas- 
tors ;  but  especially  their  bishop.  6  Thanks  them 
for  their  kindnesses,  11  and  acquaints  them  with 
the  ceasing  of  the  persecutions  at  Antioch. 

SEE  that  ye  all  follow  your  bishop, 
as  Jesus  Christ,  tlie  Father  :  and  the 
presbytery,  as  the  Apostles.  And  rever- 
ence the  deacons,  as  the  command  of 
God. 

2  Let  no  man  do  anything  of  what 
belongs  to  the  church  separately  from  the 
bishop. 

3  Let  that  euchari.st  be  looked  upon  as 
well  established,  which  is  either  offered 
by  the  bishop,  oi  by  him  to  whom  the 
bishop  has  given  his  consent. 

4  Where.soever  the  bishop  shall  ap- 
pear, there  let  the  •  people  also  be  :  as 
where  Jesus  Christ  is,  there  is  the  Cath- 
olic church. 

5  It  is  not  lawful  without  the  bishop, 
neither  to  baptize,  nor  t  to  celebrate  the 
Holy  Communion :  but  whatsoever  he 
shall  approve  of,  that  is  also  pleasing  un- 
to God  ;  that  so  whatever  is  done,  may 
be  sure  and  well  done. 

6  For  what  remains,  it  is  very  reason- 
able that  we  should  "  repent  whilst  there 
is  yet  time  to  return  unto  God. 

7  It  is  a  good  thing  to  have  a  due  re- 
gard both  to  God,  and  to  the  bishop:  he 
that  honours  the  bishop  shall  be  honour- 
ed of  God.  But  he  that  does  any  thing 
without  his  knowledge,  ^  ministers  unto 
the  devil. 

8  Let  all  things  therefore  abound  to 
you  in  charity ;  seeing  ye  are  worthy. 

9  Ye  have  refreshed  me  in  all  things  ; 
so  shall  Je.sus  Christ  you.  Ye  have  lov- 
ed me  both  when  I  was  present  with  you, 
and  now  being  absent,  ye  cease  not  to  do 
so. 

10  May  God  be  your  reward,  for 
whom  whilst  ye  undergo  all  things,  ye 
shall  attain  unto  him. 

11  Ye  have  done  well  in  that  ye  have 
received  Philo,  and  Rheus  «■  Agatbopus, 
who  followed  me  "  for  the  word  of  God, 
as  the  deacons  of  Christ  our  God. 

12  Who  also  give  thanks  unto  the 
Lord   forasmuch   as   ye  have  refreshed 


1  Had  true  flesh,  m  it  is.  n  Matt.  xix.  12.  oVid. 
Epist.  Interpol,  p  Vid.  Annot.  Coteler.  in  loc.  Or, 
Pravern.    q  Vid.  Coteler.  Annot.    r  Love, 

130 


«  Multitude,  t  Make  a  love-feast.  «  Return  to  a 
sound  mind,  v  Does  Worship.  w  Vid.  Voss.  An 
not.  in  loc.    *  Unto, 


On  duty  to 


POLYCARP. 


the  bishop 


them  in  all  y  things.  ^  Nor  shall  any  thing 
that  you  have  done  be  lost  to  you. 

13  My  soul  be  for  yours,  and  my 
bonds  which  ye  have  not  despised,  nor 
been  ashamed  ol'.  Wherefore  neither 
shall  Jesus  Christ,  our  perfect  faith,  be 
ashamed  of  you. 

14  Your  piayer  is  come  to  the  church 
of  Antioch  which  is  in  Syria.  From 
whence  being  sent  bound  with  chains  be- 
coming God,  I  salute  the  "^churches  ;  be- 
ing not  worthy  to  be  called  =  from  thence 
as  being  the  least  among  them.  ^ 

15  Neverthele.ss  by  the  will  of  God  I 
have  been  thought  worthy  of  this  hon- 
our ;  not  for  that  I  think  i  have  deserved 
it,  but  by  the  grace  of  God : 

16  Which  I  wish  may  be  perfectly 
given  unto  me,  that  through  your  prayers 
I  may  attain  unto  God. 

1 7  And  therefore  that  your  work  may 
be  fully  accomplished  both  upon  earth 
and  in  heaven ;  it  will  be  fitting,  and  for 
the  honour  of  God,  >>  that  3'our  church 
appoint  some  worthy  delegate,  who  being 
come  as  far  as  Syria,  may  rejoice  togeth- 
er with  them  that  they  are  in  peace  ;  and 
that  they  are  again  restored  to  their  for- 
mer ^  state,  and  have  again  received  their 
proper  body. 

18  Wherefore  I  should  think  it  a  wor- 
thy action,  to  send  some  one  from  you 
with  an  epistle,  to  congratulate  with  them 
their  peace  in  God ;  and  that  through 
your  prayers,  they  have  now  gotteu  to 
their  harbor. 

19  For  in  as  much  as  ye  are  perfect 
yourselves,   you   ought  to   think  those 


things  that  are  perfect.  For  when  you 
are  desirous  to  do  well,  God  is  ready  to 
•"enable  you  thereunto. 

20  The  love  of  the  brethren  that  are  at 
Troas  salute  you ;  from  whence  I  write 
to  you  by  Burrhus  whom  ye  sent  with 
me,  together  with  the  Ephesians,  your 
brethren;  and  who  has  in  all  things  re- 
freshed me. 

21  And  I  would  to  God  that  all  would 
imitate  him,  as  being  a  pattern  of  the 
ministry  of  God.  May  his  grace  fully 
reward  him. 

22  I  salute  your  very  worthy  bishop, 
,and  your  venerable  presbytery;  and  your 

deacons,  my  fellow-servants  ;  and  all  of 
you  in  general,  and  every  one  in  particu- 
lar, in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  and  in 
his  flesh  and  blood  ;  in  his  passion  and 
resurrection  both  fleshly  and  spiritually; 
and  in  s  the  unity  of  God  ''  with  you. 

23  Grace  be  with  you,  and  mercy,  and 
peace  and  patience,  for  evermore. 

24  I  salute  the  families  of  my  breth- 
ren, with  their  wives  and  children ;  and 
the  '  virgins  that  are  called  widows.  Be 
strong  in  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Philo,  who  is  present  with  me,  salutes 
you. 

25  I  salute  the  house  of  Tavias,  and 
pray  that  it  may  be  strengthened  in  faith 
and  charity,  both  of  flesh  and  spirit. 

36  I  salute  Alee  my  well  beloved,  ''to- 
gether with  the  incomparable  Daphnus, 
and  Eutechnus,  and  all  by  name. 

27  Farewell  in  the  grace  of  God. 

IT  To  the  Smyrnxans  from  Troas. 


The  EPISTLE  of  IGNATIUS  to  POLYCARP. 


CHAP.  I. 

Blesses  God  for  the  firm  establishment  of  Polycarp 
in  the  faith,  and  gives  liim  particular  directions 
for  improving  it. 

IGNATIUS,  who  is  also  called  Theo- 
phorus,   to  Polycarp,   bishop  of  the 


yWays.  z  Vid.  Epist.  Interpol,  a  Spirit,  b  AH 
the.  c  i.  e.  The  bishop  of  that  church,  d  Vid.  Voss. 
Annot.  in  loc.  e  Bulk  :  greatness.  f  Help  you 
K  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  h  And.  'i.e.  The  dea- 
conesses. See  for  the  reason  of  this  name,  Voss. 
Annot.  in  loc.  Add.  Coteler.  ib.  k  See  Voss.  An- 
not. ex  Epist.  Interpol. 


church  '  which  is  at  Smyrna,  their  over- 
seer, but  rather  himself  overlooked  by 
God  the  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ ;  all  happiness. 

2  Having  known  that  my  mind  X^^.- 
wards  God  is  fixed  as  it  were  upon  an  im- 
moveable rock  :  1  exceedingly  give  thanks 
that  I  have  been  thought  worthy  to  be- 
hold thy  ''  blessed  face,  in  which  may  1 
always  rejoice  in  God, 

^  of  the  Smyrnsans.    b  innocent. 

121 


Ignatius  exhorts 


3  Wherefore  1  beseech  thee  by  the 
Grace  of  God  with  which  thou  art  cloath- 
ed,  to  press  forward  in  thy  course,  and  to 
exhort  all  others  that  they  may  be  saved. 

4  Maintain  thy  place  with  all  care, 
<=  both  of  flesh  and  spirit :  Make  it  thy 
endeavor  to  preserve  unity,  than  which 
nothing  is  better.  Bear  with  all  men, 
even  as  the  Lord  with  thee. 

6  Support  all  in  love,  as  also  thou 
dost.  ''  Pray  without  ceasing :  ask  more 
understanding  than  what  thou  already 
hast.  Be  watchful,  having  thy  spirit  al- 
ways awake. 

6  Speak  to  every  one  «■  according  as 
God  shall  enable  thee.  Bear  the  '^inhr- 
mities  of  all,  as  a  perfect  combatant: 
where  the  labour  is  great,  the  gain  « is  the 
more. 

7  If  thou  shall  love  the  good  disciples, 
what  thank  is  it.'  But  rather  do  thou 
subject  to  thee  those  that  are  mischievous, 
in  meekness. 

8  Every  wound  is  not  healed  with  tlie 
same  plaister;  if  the  accessions  of  the 
disease  be  vehement,  mollify  them  with 
''  soft  remedies:  be  in  all  '  things  wise  as 
a  serpent,  b\it  harmless  as  a  dove. 

9  For  this  cause  thou  art  composed  of 
flesh  and  spirit ;  tliat  thou  mayest  mollify 
those  thmgs  that  appear  before  thy  face. 

10  And  as  for  those  that  are  not  seen, 
pray  to  God  that  he  would  reveal  them 
unto  thee,  that  so  thou  mayest  be  want- 
ing in  nothing,  but  mayest  abound  in  ev- 
eiy  gift. 

1 1  The  times  demand  thee,  as  tlie  pilots 
the  winds  ;  and  he  that  is  tossed  in  a  tem- 
pest, the  haven  where  he  would  be  ;  that 
thou  mayest  attain  unto  God. 

12  Be  sober,  as  the  combatant  of  God  : 
•^  the  crown  proposed  to  thee  is  immortal- 
ity, and  eternal  life  ;  concerning  which 
thou  art  also  fully  persuaded.  I  will  be 
thy  suret)^  in  all  things,  and  my  bonds 
which  thou  hast  loved. 

1 3  Let  not  those  that  seem  worthy  of 
credit,  but  teach  other  doctrines,  "disturb 
thee.  Stand  firm  and  imm.oveable,  as  an 
anvil  when  it  is  beaten  upon. 

14  It  is  the  part  of  a  brave  combatant, 
to  be  ■"  wounded,  and  yet  overcome.  But 
especially  we  ought  to  endure  all  things 
for  God's  sake,  that  he  may  bear  with  us. 


POLYCARP.  Polycarp. 

15  Be  every  day  "better  than  other: 
consider  the  times;  and  expect  him,  who 
is  above  all  time,  eternal,  invisible,  though 
for  our  sakes  made  visible  :  impalpapie, 
and  impassable,  yet  for  us  subjected  to 
sufferings  ;  enduring  all  manner  of  ways 
for  our  salvation. 

CHAP.  II. 

1  Continues  his  advice,  6  and  teaches  him  Iiow  to 
advise  others.  12  Inforces  unity  and  subjection  to 
the  bishop. 

LET  not  the  widows  be  neglected: 
be  thou  after  God,  their  guardian. 

2  Let  nothing  be  done  without  thy 
knowledge  and  consent :  neither  do  thou 
anything  but  according  to  the  will  of  God  ; 
as  also  thou  dost,  °  with  all  constancy. 

3  Let  your  as.semb]ies  be  more  full :  in- 
quire into  all  by  name. 

4  Overlook  not  the  men  and  maid  ser- 
vants ;  neither  let  them  be  puffed  up ; 
but  rather  let  them  be  the  more  subject  to 
the  glory  of  God,  that  they  may  obtain 
from  him  a  better  Jibert)\ 

5  Let  them  not  de.sire  to  p  be  .set  free 
at  the  public  cost,  that  they  be  not  slaves 
to  their  own  lu,s1s. 

6  Flee  evil  i  arts :  or  rather,  make  not 
any  mention  of  them. 

7  Say  to  my  sisters,  that  they  love  the 
Lord ;  and  be  .satisfied  with  their  own 
husbands,  both  in  the  flesh  and  spirit. 

8  In  like  manner,  exhort  my  brethren 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  ChrLst,  that  they 
love  their  wives  even  as  the  Lord  the 
church. 

9  If  any  man  can  remain  in  a  virgin 
state,  ■'to  the  honour  of  the  flesh  Christ, 
let  him  remain  without  boasting :  but  if 
he  boast  he  is  undone.  And  if  he  desire 
to  be  more  taken  notice  of  than  tlie  bish- 
op, he  is  corrupted. 

10  But  it  becomes  all  such  as  are  mar- 
ried, whether  men  or  women,  to  come 
together  with  the  consent  of  the  bishop, 
that  so  their  marriage  may  be  according 
to  godliness,  and  not  in  lust. 

1 1  Let  all  things  be  done  to  the  hon- 
our of  God. 

12  'Hearken  unto  the  bishop,  that 
God  also  may  hearken  unto  you.  My 
soul  be  security  for  them  that  submit  to 
their  bishop,,  with  their  presbyters  and 


cVid.  ICor.vii.  34.  "1  Beat  leisure  to,  &c.  eVid. 
VosB.  in  loc.  ahter  Vet.  Lat.  Interp.  f  The  diseas- 
es, g  Is  much.  h  Superfusions.  i  Matt.  x.  16. 
k  Vid.  Voss.  Annot.  in  loc.  Collat.  cum  Coteler.  ib. 
1  Amaze  thee,    m  Beaten. 

122 


n  More  studious,  diligent.  o  Being  well  settled. 
p  Vid.  Annot.  Coteler.  in  loc.  q  Or,  trades  r  Vid. 
Annot.  Vossii  et  Coteler.  in  loc.  s  Observe,  from  the 
foregoing  verses,  that  Ignatius  speaks  not  here  to 
Polycarp,  but  through  him  to  the  Church  cjf  Smyrna, 


Desires  to  ereet 


PHILIPPIANS. 


ihe  churches. 


deacons.     And  may  my  portion  be  to- 
gether with  theirs  in  God. 

13  Labour  with  one  another;  contend 
together,  run  together,  suffer  together ; 
sleep  together,  and  ri.se  together  ;  as  the 
stewards,  and  assessors,  and  ministers  of 
God. 

1 4  Please  hirn  under  whom  ye  war ; 
and  from  whom  ye  receive  your  wages. 
Let  none  of  you  be  found  a  deserter  ;  but 
let  your  baptism  remain,  as  your  arms ; 
your  faith,  as  your  helmet ;  your  charity, 
as  your  spear ;  your  patience,  as  your 
whole  armour. 

15  Let  your  works  be  your  'charge, 
that  so  you  may  receive  a  suitable  reward. 
Be  long  suffering  therefore  towards  each 
other  in  meekness ;  as  God  is  towards 
you. 

16  Let  me  have  joy  of  you  in  all 
things. 

CHAP.  IIL 

1  Greets  Polycarp  on  the  peace  of  the  church  at 
Antioch  :  2  and  desires  him  to  write  to  that  and 
other  churches. 

"OVV  forasmuch  as  the  church  of 
Antioch  in  Syria  is,  "as  I  am  told, 
in  peace  through  your  prayers ;  I  also 
have  been  the  more  comforted  *  and  with- 
out care  in  God  ;  if  so  be  that  by  sufTer- 
ing,  I  shall  attain  unto  God  ;  that  through 
your  prayers  I  may  be  found  a  disciple 
of  Christ. 

2  It  will  be  very  fit,  O  most  worthy 
Polycarp,  to  call  a  '^  select  council,  and 
choose  some  one  whom  ye  particularly 
love,  and  who  is  patient  of  labour  ;  that 
he  may  be  the  messenger  of  God :  and 
that  going  unto  Syria,  he  may  glorify 


your  incessant  love   to   the    praise    of 
Christ. 

3  A  Christian  has  not  the  power  of 
himself ;  but  must  be  always  at  leisure 
for  God's  service.  Now  this  work  is 
both  God's  and  yours;  when  ye  shall 
have  perfected  it. 

4  For  I  trust  through  the  grace  of 
God  that  ye  are  ready  to  every  good 
work  that  is  fitting  for  you  in  the  Lord. 

5  Knowing  therefore  your  earnest  af- 
fection to  the  truth,  I  have  exhorted  you 
by  ^  these  short  letters. 

6  But  forasmuch  as  1  have  not  been 
able  to  write  to  all  the  churches,  because 
I  must  suddenly  sail  from  Troas  to  Ne- 
apolis;  (for  so  is  the  command  of  those 
to  whose  pleasure  I  am  subject ;)  do  you 
write  to  the  churches  that  are  near  you, 
as  being  instructed  in  the  will  of  God, 
that  they  also  may  do  in  like  manner. 

7  Let  those  that  are  able  send  y  mes- 
sengers ;  and  let  the  rest  send  their  let- 
ters by  those  who  shall  be  sent  by  you : 
that  you  may  be  glorified  '^  to  all  eterni- 
ty, of  which  you  are  worthy. 

8  I  salute  all  by  name ;  particularly 
the  wife  of  Epitropus,  with  all  her  house 
and  children.  I  salute  Attalus  my  well- 
beloved. 

9  1  salute  him,  who  shall  be  thought 
worthy  to  be  sent  by  you  into  Syria. 
Let  grace  be  ever  with  him,  ^  and  with 
Polycarp  who  sends  him. 

10  I  wish  you  all  happiness  in  our 
God,  Jesus  Christ ;  in  whom  continue, 
in  the  unity  and  protection  of  God. 

11  I  salute  Alec  my  well-beloved. 
Farewell  in  the  Lord. 


The  EPISTLE  of  POLYCARP  to  the  PHILIPPIANS. 

[The  genuineness  of  this  Epistle  is  controverted,  but  implicitly  believed  by  Archbishop  Wake,  whose  trans- 
lation is  below.     There  is  also  a  translation  by  Dr.  Cave,  attached  to  his  life  of  Polycarp./ 


CHAP.  1. 

Commends  the  Philippians  for  their  respect  fo  those 
who  suffered  for  the  Gospel ;  and  for  their  own 
faith. 

<  That  which  is  committed  to  your  custody,  to 
keep  secure.  u  It  has  been  manifested  unto  me. 
V  In  the  security  of  God.  w  Most  becomin";  God. 
»  Viz.  To  the  SmyrutTpans,  and  this  to  himself  See 
Pearson  in  loc.  y  Footmen.  z  Vid.  Voss.  in  loc. 
In  the  Eternal  work,  o  Ex.  Vet.  Interp.  Vid.  Voss. 
Annot. 


POLYCARP,  and  the  presbyters  that 
are  with  him,  to  the  church  of  God 
which  ais  at  Philippi  ;  mercy  unto  you, 
and  peace  from  God  Almighty;  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour,  be  mul- 
tiplied. 

2  I  rejoiced  greatly  with  you   in  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  received  the 


a  Sojourneth. 


123 


Commends  the 


PHILIPPIANS. 


PhilippianS. 


images  of  a  true  love,  anJ  accompanied, 
as  it  behoved  you,  those  who  were  in 
bonds,  becoming  saints;  -which  are  the 
crowns  of  such  as  are  truly  chosen  by 
God  and  our  Lord  : 

3  As  also  that  the  ^  root  of  the  faith 
which  was  preached  from  ancient  times, 
remains  firm  in  you  to  this  day;  and 
brings  forth  fruit  to  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  suffered  himself  to  be  brought  even 
to  the  death  for  our  sins. 

4  '  Whom  God  hath  raised  up,  having 
loosed  the  pains  of  death.  ^  Whom  hav- 
ing not  seen,  ye  love  :  in  whom  though 
now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye 
rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of 
glory. 

5  Into  which  many  desire  to  enter ; 
'knowing  that  by  grace  ye  are  saved; 
not  by  works,  but  by  the  will  of  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ. 

6  ''  Wherefore  girding  up  the  loins  of 
your  minds  ;  e  serve  the  Lord  with  fear, 
and  in  truth  :  la}  ing  aside  all  empty  and 

'  vain  speech, and  the  error  of  many;  ''  be- 
lieving in  him  that  raised  up  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead,  and  hath 
given  him  glory  and  a  throne  at  his  right 
hand. 

7  To  whom  all  things  are  made  sub- 
ject, '  both  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that 
are  in  earth  ;  whom  every  ^  living  crea- 
ture .shall  worship;  who  shall  come  to 
be  the  judge  of  the  quick  and  dead  : 
whose  blood  God  shall  require  of  them 
that  believe  not  in  him. 

8  But  he  that  raised  up  '  Christ  from 
the  dead,  shall  also  raise  up  us  in  like 
manner,  if  we  do  his  will  and  walk 
">  according  to  his  commandments ;  and 
love  those  things  which  he  loved  : 

9  Abstaining  from  all  "unrighteous- 
ness; "inordinate  aftection,  and  love  of 
money  ;  from  evil-speaking  ;  false-wit- 
ness ;  not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  rail- 
ing for  railing,  or  striking  for  striking,  or 
cursing  for  cursing. 

10  But  remembering  what  the  Lord 
has  P  taught  us  saying.  Judge  not,  and 
ye  shall  not  be  judged:  forgive  and  ye 
shall  be  forgiven;  be  )-e  merciful,  and 
ye  shall  obtain  mercy  ;  for  with  the  same 
)neasure  that  ye  mete  wnthal,  it  shall  be 
measured  to  you  again. 

b  Firm  root  remains  in  you.  c  Acts  ii.  24.  d  1 
Pet.  i  8.  eEph.  ii.  8.  f  1  Pet.  i.  13.  g  Psalm  ii. 
11.  hlPet.  i.  21.  iPhil.  ii.  JO.  k  Breath.  IHim. 
Di  In.  n  Injustice  o  Eph.  iv.  19.  Coloss.  jii.  5. 
1  Pet.  iii.  9.  P  Said  to  us,  Teaching.  Luke  vi.  37. 
Matt.  vii.  1. 

124 


11  And  again,  that  i  blessed  are  the 
poor,  and  that  they  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness  sake ;  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

CHAP.  IL 

1  E.xhorts  to  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity.  5  Against 
covetousness,  and  as  to  the  duties  of  husbands, 
wives,  widows,  9  deacons,  young  men,  virgins, 
tiiid  presbyters. 

ri"^HESE  things,  my  brethren,  I  took 
3-  not  the  liberty  of  myself  to  write 
unto  you  concerning  righteousness,  but 
you  yourselves  before  encouraged  me 
to  it. 

2  For  neither  can  L  nor  any  other 
such  as  I  am,  come  up  to  the  wisdom  of 
the  blessed  and  renowned  Paul ;  who 
being  himself  in  person  with  those  who 
then  lived,  did  with  all  e.vactness  and 
soundness  teach  the  word  '  of  truth  ;  and 
being  gone  from  you  wrote  an  '  epistle 
to  you. 

3  Into  which  if  you  look,  you  will  be 
able  to  edify  yourselves  in  the  faith  that 
has  been  delivered  unto  you;  which  is 
the  mother  of  us  all  ;  being  followed 
with  hope,  and  led  on  by  a  general  love, 
both  towards  God  and  towards  Christ, 
and  towards  our  neighbour. 

4  For  if  any  man  '  has  these  things, 
he  has  fulfilled  the  law  of  righteousness  : 
ior  he  that  has  charitj  is  far  from  all  sin. 

5  But  the  love  of  money  is  the  "  root 
of  all  evil.  Knowing  therefore  that  as 
we  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  .so 
neither  may  we  carry  anything  out;  let 
us  '  arm  ourselves  with  the  armour  of 
righteousness. 

6  And  teach  ourselves  first  to  walk 
according  to  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  then  your  wives  to  walk  like- 
wise "  according  to  the  faith  that  is  given 
to  them  ;  in  '^  charity  and  in  purity  ;  lov- 
ing their  own  husbands  with  all  >  .sinceri- 
ty, and  all  others  alike  with  all  temper- 
ance ;  and  to  bring  up  their  children  in 
the  instruction  ^  and  fear  of  the  Lord. 

7  The  widows  likewise  teach  thatthey 
be  sober  as  to  what  concerns  the  faith  of 
the  Lord  :  praying  always  for  all  men  ; 
being  far  from  all  detraction,  evil  speak- 
ing, false-witness ;  from  covetousness, 
and  from  all  evil. 

q  Matt.  V.  3,  10.  Luke  vi.  20.  rllcpi  aXridclai, 
concerning  Truth.  s  Epistles.  Vid.  Annot.  Cote- 
ler.  in  loc.  t  Be  within.  "  Beginning  of  all  troubles, 
or  difficulties,  xo^f^f '>'>'■  lTim.vi.7.  v  Be  armed 
win.     i  Love.     >  Truth,     z  Of  the. 


Christian  duties. 


8  Knowing  that  they  are  the  altars  of 
God,  3  who  sees  all  blemishes,  and  fronr 
whom  nothing  is  hid  ;  who  searches  out 
the  very  reasonings,  and  thoughts,  and 
secrets  of  our  hearts. 

9  IT  Knowing  therefore  that  God  is  not 
mocked,  we  ought  to  walk  worthy  both 
of  his  command  and  of  his  glory. 

10  Also  the  deacons  must  be  blame- 
less before  ''  him,  as  the  ministers  of  God 
in  Christ,  and  not  of  men.  Not  false- 
accusers  :  not  double-tongued  ;  not  lov- 
ers of  money ;  but  '^  moderate  in  all 
things;  compassionate,  careful;  walking 
according  to  the  truth  of  the  Lord  who 
was  the  servant  of  all. 

1 1  Whom  if  we  please  in  this  present 
world,  we  shall  also  be  made  partakers 
of  that  which  is  to  come,  according  as  he 
has  promised  to  us,  that  he  will  raise  us 
from  the  dead  ;  and  that  if  we  shall  walk 
worthy  of  him,  we  shall  also  reign  to- 
gether with  him,  if  we  believe. 

12  In  like  manner  the  younger  men 
must  be  unblamable  in  all  things  :  above 
all,  take  care  of  their  purity,  and  to  re- 
strain themselves  from  all  evil.  For  it  is 
good  to  be  cut  oil  from  the  lusts  that  are 
in  the  world  ;  because  every  such  ''lust 
warreth  against  the  spirit:  eand  neither 
fornicators,  nor  elFeminate,  nor  abusers 
of  themselves  with  mankind,  shall  inhe- 
rit the  kingdom  of  God ;  nor  they  who 
do  such  things  as  are  foolish  and  unrea- 
sonable. 

13  Wherefoie  ye  must  needs  abstain 
from  all  these  things ;  being  subject  to 
the  f  priests  and  deacons,  as  unto  God  and 
Christ. 

14  The  virgins  admonish  to  walk  in  a 
spotless  and  pure  conscience. 

15  And  let  the  =  elders  be  compassion- 
ate and  merciful  towards  all;  ''turning 
them  from  their  errors  ;  seeking  out  those 
that  are  weak  ;  not  forgetting  the  wid- 
ows, the  fatherless,  and  the  poor :  but 
always  '  providing  what  is  good  both  in 
the  sight  of  God  and  man. 

16  Abstaining  from  all  wrath,  respect 
of  persons,  and  unrighteous  judgment : 
and  especially  being  free  from  all  covet- 
ousness. 

1 7  Not  ''  easy  to  believe  any  thing 
against  any ;  not  severe  in  judgment ; 
knowing  that  we  are  all  debtors  in  point 
of  sin. 


PHILIPPIANS.  Onfaith. 

18  If  therefore  we  pray  to  the  Lord 
that  he  would  forgive  us,  we  ought  also 
to  forgive  others  :  for  we  are  all  in  the 
sight  of  our  Lord  and  God ;  '  and  must  all 
stand  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ; 
and  shall  every  one  give  an  account "»  of 
himself. 

19  Let  us  therefore  serve  him  in  fear, 
and  with  all  reverence  as  both  himself 
hath  commanded ;  and  as  the  Apostles 
who  have  preached  the  Gospel  unto  us, 
and  the  prophets  who  have  foretold  the 
coming  of  our  Lord,  have  taught  us. 

20  Being  zealous  of  what  is  good ;  ab- 
staining from  all  offence,  and  from  false 
brethren ;  and  from  those  who  bear  the 
name  of  Christ  in  hypocrisy ;  who  de- 
ceive vain  men. 

CHAP.  IIL 

1  .'Vs  to  faith  in  our  Saviour  Christ ;  his  uature  and 
sufferings,  the  resurrection  and  judgment.  3  E.\- 
horts  to  prayer,  5  and  steadfastness  in  the  faith, 
fr'Mn  the  exaMi|)les  of  Christ,  7  and  Apostles  and 
saints,  and  exhorts  to  carefulness  in  all  well  doing. 

FOR  "  whosoever  does  not  confess  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh,  he 
is  Antichrist :  and  whoever  does  not  con- 
fess °  his  suffering  upon  the  cross,  is  from 
the  devil. 

2  And  whosoever  perverts  the  oracles 
of  the  Lord  to  his  own  lusts  ;  and  says 
that  there  shall  neither  be  any  resurrec- 
tion, nor  judgment,  he  is  the  first  born  of 
Satan. 

3  Wherefore  leaving  the  vanity  of 
many,  and  their  false  doctrines;  let  us  re- 
turn to  the  word  that  was  delivered  to  us 
from  the  beginning;  p  Watching  unto 
prayer;  and  persevering  in  fasting  : 

4  With  supphcation  beseeching  the 
all-seeing  God  i  not  to  lead  us  into  tempt- 
ation ;  as  the  Lord  hath  said,  '  The  spirit 
is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

5  Let  us  therefore  without  ceasing 
hold  steadfastly  to  him  who  is  our  hope, 
and  the  earnest  of  our  righteousness,  even 
Jesus  Christ;  «  Who  his  own  self  bare 
our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree  : 
who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found 
in  his  mouth.  But  suffered  all  for  us 
that  we  might  live  '  through  him. 

6  Let  us  therefore  imitate  his  patience : 
and  if  we  suffer  for  his  name,  let  us  glo- 
rify him ;  for  this  example  he  has  given 
us  by  himself,  and  so  have  we  believed. 


»  And  that  he.  b  His  righteousness,  c  Continent. 
<J  1  Pet.  ii.  11.  el  Cor.  vi.  9,  10.  f  Elders,  g  Pres- 
byters, h  Ezek.  xxxiv.  4.  ■  Rom.  xii.  17.  k  Swift- 
ly believing. 


I  Rom.  xiv.  10.  2  Cor.  v.  10.  m  For.  n  l  John, 
iv.  3.  oThe  martyrdom  of  the  cross.  p  1  Pet.  iv. 
7.  q  Matt.  vi.  13.  r  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  » 1  Pet.  ii.  22, 
24.     t  In  :  1  Pet.  ii.  34,  &c. 

125 


Exhorts  against 


PHILIPPIANS. 


covetousties*. 


7  Wherefore  I  exhort  all  of  you  that 
ye  obey  the  word  of  righteousness,  and 
exercise  all  patience ;  which  ye  have 
seen  set  forth  before  your  eyes,  not  only 
in  the  blessed  Ignatius  and  Zozimus,  and 
Rufus  ;  but  in  others  among  yourselves  ; 
and  ill  Paul  himself,  and  the  rest  of  the 
Apostles  : 

8  Being  "  confident  of  this,  that  all 
these  have  not  run  in  vain,  but  in  faith 
and  righteousness;  and  are  gone  to  the 
place  that  w^as  due  to  them  from  the 
Lord,  with  whom  also  they  sufiTered. 

9  For  they  loved  not  this  present 
world  ;  but  him  who  died  and  was  raised 
again  by  God  for  us. 

10  Stand  therefore  in  these  things,  and 
follow  the  example  of  the  Lord ;  being 
firm  and  immutable  in  the  faith,  lovers  of 
the  brotherhood,  lovers  of  one  another  : 
"companions  together  in  the  truth,  '"  be- 
ing kind  and  gentle  towards  each  other, 
despising  none. 

11  When  it  is  in  your  power  to  do 
good  defer  it  not,  for  charity  delivereth 
from  death. 

12  Be  all  of  you  subject  one  lo  anoth- 
er, ''having  your  conversation  >"  honest 
among  the  Gentiles ;  that  by  your  good 
works,  both  ye  yourselves  may  receive 
praise,  and  the  Lord  may  not  '•  be  blas- 
phemed through  you.  But  wo  be  to  him 
by  whom  the  name  of  the  Lord  is  blas- 
phemed. 

13  Therefore  teach  all  men  sobriety; 
in  which  do  ye  also  exercise  yourselves. 

CHAP.  IV. 

Valens,   a   presbyter,  having  fallen  into  the  sin   of 
covetousness,  he  e.\horts  them  against  it. 

I  AM  greatly  afflicted  for  Valens,  who 
was  once  a  presbyter  among  you  ; 
that  he  should  so  little  understand  the 
place  that  wag  given  to  him  in  the  church. 
Wherefore  I  admonish  you  that  ye  ab- 
stain from  =>  covetousness  ;  and  that  ye  be 
chaste,  and  true  of  speech. 

2  b  Keep  yourselves  from  all  evil. 
For  he  that  in  these  things  cannot  govern 
himself,  how  shall  he  be  able  to  prescribe 
them  to  another .' 

3  If  a  man  does  not  keep  himself  from 
"  covetousness,  he  shall  be  polluted  with 

u  Persuaded,  v  AssocitUed  in  truth.  «'  Yielding 
to  each  other  the  mildness  of  the  Lord.  Tobit  xii.  9. 
^  i  Pet.  ii.  12.  y  Unreprovable.  z  Rom.  ii.  24.  Ti- 
tus ii.  5.  ^  Conc\ipiscenoe  :  or,  immoderate  and  filthy 
lusts.  See  Dr.  Hammond  on  Rom.  i  29,  i.  b  1 
Thess.  V.  22.  Eph.  v.  5.  Coloss.  ii.  5.  c  Asljc- 
fore.     Dr.  Hammond  on  I  Cor.  v.  10,  1. 

126 


idolatry,  and  be  judged  as  if  he  were  a 
Gentile. 

4  But  who  of  you  are  ignorant  of  the 
judgment  of  God.'     ''Do  'We  not  know 
that  the  saints  shall  judge  the  world,  as   ►" 
Paul  teaches .' 

5  But   I    have   neither  jTerceived  nor 
heard   any  thing  of   this  kind  in    j'ou, 
among  whom  the  blessed  *  Paul  labored  ;  ^ 
and  who  are  named  in  the  beginning  of 
his  Epistle. 

6  For  he  glories  of  you  in  all  the 
churches  who  then  only  knew  God  ;  for 
we  did  not  then  know  him.  Wherefore, 
my  brethren,  lam  exceedingly  sorry  both 
for  him,  and  for  his  wife  ;  to  whom  God 
grant  a  true  repentance. 

7  And  be  ye  also  moderate  upon  this 
occasion ;  and  look  not  upon  such  as  en-  ^ 
emies,  but  call  them  back  as  suffering, 
and  erring  members,  that  ye  may  save 
your  whole  body :  for  by  so  doing,  ye 
shall  edify  your  own  selves. 

8  For  i  trust  that  ye  aie  well  exercised 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  that  nothing 
is  hid  from  you  :  but  at  present  it  is  jiot 
granted  unto  me  to  practice  that  which  is 
•"written.  Be  angry  and  sin  not ;  and  again, 
Let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your 
wiath. 

9  Blessed  is  he  that  believeth  and  re- 
membereth  these  things;  which  also  1 
trust  you  do. 

10  Now  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Chri.st ;  and  he  himself  who 
is  our  everlasting  high-priest,  the  Son  of 
God,  even  Jesus  Christ,  build  you  up  in 
faith  and  in  truth,  and  in  all  meekness 
and  lenity  ;  in  patience  and  long  suliiar- 
ing,  in  forbearance  and  cha.stity  : 

1 1  And  grant  unto  you  a  lot  and  por- 
tion among  his  saints;  and  us  with  you, 
and  to  all  that  are  under  the  heavens, 
who  shall  believe  in  our  Lord  Jesus 
Chiist,  and  in  his  Father  s  who  raised  him 
from  the  dead. 

12  ''Pray  for  all  the  saints:  pray  also 
for  kings,  and  '  all  that  are  in  authority  : 
and  for  those  who  persecute  you,  and  hale 
you,  and  for  the  enemies  of  the  cross  : 
that  your  fruit  may  be  manifest  in  all  ; 
and  that  ye  may  be  perfect  in  ^  Christ. 

13  'Ye  wrote  to  me,  both  ye,  and  also 
Ignatius,  that  if  any  one  went  from  hence 

I  into  Syria,  he  should  bring  your  letters 


d  1  Cor.  vi.  2.        ePhil.  i.       f  Said  in  these  Scrip- 
tures.    Psalm  iv.  4.     Eph.  iv.  26-      gGal.  i.  2.     hi 
!  Tim.  ii   1,  2.     i  Powers  and  princes,     k  Him.      I  See 
I  Annot.  Usser.  in  loc. 


The  visions 


I.  HERMAS. 


of  Hernias, 


with  him  ;  which  also  I  will  take  care  of 
as  soon  as  I  shall  have  a  convenient  op- 
portunity ;  either  by  myself,  or  him 
whom  1  shall  send  upon  your  account. 

1 4  The  epistles  of  Ignatius  which  he 
wrote  "■  unto  us,  together  with  what  oth- 
ers of  his  have  come  to  our  hands,  we 
have  sent  to  you  according  to  your  or- 
der; which  are  subjoined  to  this  epistle  : 

15  By  which  ye  may  be  greatly  profit- 
ed ;  for  they  treat  of  faith  and  patience, 
and  of  all  things  that  pertain  to  edifica- 
tion in  "  the  Lord  Jesus. 

16  V  What  you  know  certainly  of  Ig- 


natius, and  those  that  are  with  him,  sig- 
nify unto  us. 

17  H  These  things  that  1  have  written 
unto  you  by  Crescens,  whom  by  this 
present  epistle  I  have  recommended  to 
you,  and  do  now  again  commend. 

18  For  he  has  had  his  conversation 
without  blame  among  us  ;  and  I  suppose 
also  with  you. 

19  Ye  will  also  have  regard  unto  his 
sister  when  she  shall  come  unto  you. 

20  Be  ye  safe  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ ;  °  and  in  favour  with  all  yours. 
Amen. 


THE  SHEPHERD  OF  HERMAS. 


fThis  book  is  thus  entitled,  because  it  was  composed  by  Hennas,  brother  to  Pius,  bisho|iof  Rome  ;  aud  be- 
cause the  Angel,  who  bears  the  principal  part  in  it,  is  represented  in  the  form  and  liabit  of  a  Shepherd. 
Irenseus  quotes  it  under  the  very  name  of  Scripture  ;  Origen  thought  it  a  most  useful  writing,  and  that 
it  was  divinely  inspired ;  Eusebius  says,  that,  though  it  was  not  esteemed  canonical,  it  was  read  pub- 
licly in  tlie  churches,  which  is  corroborated  by  Jerome  ;  and  Athanasius  cites  it,  calls  it  a  most  useful 
work,  and  observes,  that  thougli  it  was  not  strictly  canonical,  the  Fathers  appointed  it  to  be  read  for 
direction  and  contirniation  in  faith  and  piety.  Jerome,  notwithstanding  this,  and  that  he  applauded  it 
in  his  catalogue  of  writers,  in  his  comments  upon  it  afterwards,  terms  it  apochryphal  and  foolish.  Ter- 
tullian  praised  it  when  a  Catholic,  and  abused  it  when  a  Montanist.  Although  Gelusius  ranks  it 
among  the  apochryphal  books,  it  is  found  attached  to  some  of  the  most  ancient  MS.  of  the  New 
Testament,  and  Archbisliop  Wake,  believing  it  the  genuine  work  of  an  apostolic  Father,  preserves  itto 
the  English  reader,  by  the  following  translation,  in  which  he  has  rendered  the  books  not  only  more  ex- 
act, but  in  greater  purity  than  ihey  had  before  appeared.  The  archbisliop  procured  Dr.  Grabe  to  en- 
tirely collate  the  oklLiatin  Version  with  an  ancient  MS.  in  the  I^ambeth  library  ;  and  the  learned  pre- 
late himself  still  further  improved  the  whole  from  a  multitude  of  fragments  of  the  original  Greek  never 
before  used  lor  that  purpose.] 

The  First  Book  of  HERMAS,  which  is  called  his  VISIONS. 


VISION  I. 

1  Against  filthy  and    proud  thoughts;  20   also   the 
neglect  of  ilermas  in  chastising  his  children. 

HE  who  bred  me  up  sold  a  certain 
young  maid  of  Rome ;  whom 
when  I  saw  many  years  after,  I  remem- 
bered her,  and  began  to  love  her  as  a  sis- 
ter. It  happened  some  time  afterwards 
that  I  saw  her  washing  in  the  river  Ty- 
her ;  and  I  reached  out  my  hand  unto 
her,  and  brought  her  out  of  the  river : 

2  And  when  I  saw  her,  I  thought  with 
myself,  saying,  How  happy  should  I  be 
if  I  had  such  a  wife,  both  for  beaut)^  and 
manners.  This  I  thought  with  myself  ; 
nor  did  I  think  any  thins;  more  But  not 
long  after,  as  I  was  walking,  and  musing 


n>  i.  e.  To  himself,  and  to  the  church  of  Smyrna. 
nOur  Lord,      o  His  grace  be  with  you  all.     Amen. 


on  these  thoughts,  I  began  to  honour  this 
creature  of  God,  thinking  with  myself 
how  noble  and  beautiful  she  was. 

3  And  when  I  had  walked  a  little  I 
fell  asleep.  And  the  iSpirit  caught  me 
away,  and  carried  me  through  a  certain 
place  towards  the  right  hand,  through 
which  no  man  could  pass.  It  was  a 
place  among  rocks,  very  steep,  aud  un- 
passable  for  water. 

4  When  I  was  past  this  place,  I  came 
into  a  plain  ;  and  there  falling  down  up- 
on my  knees,  I  began  to  pray  unto  the 
Lord,  and  to  confess  my  sins. 

5  And  as  I  was  praying,  the  heaven 
was  opened,  and  I  saw  the  woman 
which  I  had  coveted,  saluting  me  from 
heaven,  and  saying,  Hermas,  hail  !  and  1 
looking  upon  her,  answered,  Lady,  whai 
dost  thou  do  here  ?    She  answered  me, 

127 


Against  filthy  and 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  I. 


fraud  thovghts. 


» I  am  taken  up  hither  to  accuse  thee  of 
sin  before  the  Lord 

6  Lady,  said  I,  Wilt  thou  ^  convince 
me  ?  No,  said  she  :  but  hear  the  words 
which  I  am  about  to  speak  unto  thee. 
God  who  dwelleth  in  heaven,  and  hatli 
made  all  things  out  of  nothing,  and  hath 
multiplied  them  for  his  holy  church's 
sake,  is  angry  with  thee,  because  thou 
hast  sinned  against  me. 

7  And  I  answering  said  unto  her.  Lady, 
if  I  have  sinned  against  thee,  tell  me 
where,  or  in  what  place,  or  when  did  I 
ever  speak  an  unseemly  or  dishonest 
word  unto  thee  .' 

8  Have  I  not  always  esteemed  thee  as 
a  lady  ]  Have  I  not  always  reverenced 
thee  as  a  sister  .'  Why  then  dost  thou 
imagine  these  wicked  things  against  me  .' 

9  Then  she,  smiling  upon  me,  said  : 
The  desire  of  naughtiness  has  risen  up 
in  thy  heart.  Does  it  not  seem  to  thee 
to  be  an  ill  thing  lor  a  righteous  man  to 
have  an  evil  desire  rise  up  in  his  heart.' 

10  It  is  indeed  a  sin,  and  that  a  very 
great  one,  to  such  a  ojie  ;  for  a  righteous 
man  thinketh  that  which  is  righteous. 
And  whilst  he  does  so,  and  walketh  up- 
rightly, he  shall  have  the  Lord  in  heaven 
favourable  unto  him  in  all  his  business. 

1 1  But  as  for  those  who  think  wick- 
edly in  their  hearts,  they  take  to  them- 
selves death  and  captivity:  and  espe- 
cially those  who  love  this  present  world, 
and  glory  in  their  riches,  and  regard  not 
the  good  things  that  are  to  come ;  their 
souls  wander  up  and  down,  and  know 
not  where  to  fix. 

12  Now  this  is  the  case  of  such  as 
are  doubie-minded,  who  trust  not  in  the 
Lord,  and  despise  and  neglect  their  own 
life. 

1 3  But  do  thou  pray  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  heal  thy  sins,  and  the  sins 
of  thy  whole  house,  and  of  all  his  saints. 

14  IT  As  .soon  as  she  had  spoken  these 
words  the  heavens  were  shut,  and  I  re- 
mained utterly  swallowed  up  with  sad- 
ness and  fear ;  and  said  within  myself, 
if  this  be  laid  against  me  for  sin,  how 
can  I  be  saved  .' 

15  Or  how  shall  I  ever  be  able  to  en- 
treat the  Lord  for  my  many  and  great 
.sins .'  With  what  words  shall  I  beseech 
him  to  be  merciful  unto  me  .' 


a  In  MS.  Lambeth.  Praecepta  sum  a  Domino  ut 
peccata  tua  arguam :  I  am  commanded  of  the 
Lord  to  reprove  thee  for  thy  sins.  b  In  MS.  Wilt 
thou  accuse  me  ■! 


16  As  I  was  thinking  over  these 
things,  and  meditating  in  myself  upon 
them,  behold  a  chair  was  set  over  against 
me  of  the  whitest  wool,  as  brightas  snow. 

17  And  there  came  an  old  woman  in 
a  bright  garment,  having  a  book  in  her 
hand,  and  sate  alone,  and  saluted  me, 
saying,  "  Hermas,  hail !  And  I  being  full 
jof  sorrow,  and  weeping,  answered,  Hail, 
Lady! 

18  And  she  said  unto  me.  Why  art 
thou  sad,  Hermas,  who  wert  wont  to  be 
patient,  and  modest,  and  always  cheerful .' 
I  answered  and  said  to  her.  Lady,  a  re- 
proach has  been  laid  to  my  charge  by  an 
excellent  woman,  who  tells  me  that  I 
have  sinned  against  her. 

19  She  replied.  Far  be  any  such  thing 
from  the  servant  of  God.  But  it  may 
be  the  desire  of  her  has  ri.sen  up  in  thy 
heart .'  For  indeed  such  a  thought  mak- 
eth  the  servants  of  God  guilty  of  sin ; 

20  Nor  ought  such  a  detestable  thought 
to  be  in  the  servant  of  God  ;  nor  should 
he  who  is  approved  by  the  Spirit  desire 
that  which  is  evil ;  but  especially  Her- 
mas, who  contains  himself  from  all 
wicked  lusts,  and  is  full  of  all  simplicity, 
and  of  great  innocence. 

21  llNevertheless  the  Lord  is  not  so 
much  angry  with  thee  for  thine  own 
sake,  as  upon  the  account  of  thy  house, 
which  has  committed  wickedness  against 
the  Lord,  and  against  their  parents. 

22  And  for  that  out  of  thy  fondness 
towards  thy  sons,  thou  hast  not  admon- 
ished thy  house,  but  hast  permhtedthem 
to  live  wickedly;  for  this  cause  the 
Lord  is  angry  with  thee  :  but  he  will  heal 
all  the  evils  that  are  done  in  thy  house. 
For  through  their  sins  and  iniquities,  thou 
art  wholly  consumed  in  secular  affairs. 

23  But  now  the  mercy  of  God  hath 
taken  compassion  upon  thee,  and  upon 
thine  house,  and  hath  <"  greatly  comforted 
thee.  Only  as  for  thee,  do  not  wander, 
but  be  of  an  even  mind,  and  comfort  thy 
house. 

24  As  the  workman  bringing  forth  his 
work,  offers  it  to  whomsoever  he  pleases  ; 
so  shalt  thou  by  teaching  every  day  what 
is  just,  cut  off  a  great  sin.  Wherefore 
cease  not  to  admonish  thy  sons,  for  the 
Lord  knows  that  they  will  repent  with 
all  their  heart,  '^  and  they  shall  be  written 
in  the  book  of  life. 

c  Vid.  Hicron.  in  Hoseam,  vii.  9.  d  In  Glory. 

Edit.  0.\on.     Hath  preserved  thee  in  honor.        «So 
MS.  Lamb     Et  describentur  in  libro  vitse. 


128 


On  neglecting  to 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  II. 


chastise  his  children. 


25  And  when  she  had  said  this,  she 
added  unto  me  ;  wilt  thou  hear  me  read  ? 
I  answered  her,  Lady,  I  will. 

26  Hear  then,  said  she;  and  opening 
the  book  she  read,  gloriously,  greatly, 
and  wonderfully  such  things  as  I  could 
not  keep  in  my  memory.  For  there  were 
terrible  words,  such  as  no  man  could  bear. 

27  Howbeit  I  committed  her  last 
words  to  my  remembrance ;  for  they 
were  but  few,  and  of  great  use  to  us. 

28  Behold  the  mighty  Lord,  who  hy 
his  invisible  power,  and  with  his  excellent 
wisdom  made  the  world,  and  by  his  glo- 
rious counsel  beautified  his  creature,  and 
with  the  word  of  his  strength  fixed  the 
heaven,  and  founded  the  earth  upon  the 
wateis;  and  by  his  powerful  virtue  es- 
tablished his  Holy  Church,  which  he  hath 
blessed. 

29  Behold,  he  will  remove  the  heavens, 
and  the  mountains,  the  hills,  and  the  seas; 
and  all  things  shall  be  made  plain  for  his 
elect ;  that  he  may  render  unto  them  the 
promise  which  he  has  promised,  with 
much  honor  and  joy  ;  if  so  be  that  they 
shall  keep  the  commandments  of  God, 
which  they  have  received  with  great 
faith. 

30  IT  And  when  she  had  made  an  end 
of  reading,  she  rose  out  of  the  chair ; 
and  behold  four  young  men  came  and 
carried  the  chair  to  the  east. 

31  And  she  called  me  unto  her,  and 
touched  my  breast,  and  said  unto  me.  Did 
my  reading  please  thee .'  I  answered. 
Lady,  these  last  things  please  me  ;  but 
wliat  went  before  was  severe  and  hard. 

32  She  sail!  unto  me.  These  last  things 
are  for  ffhe  righteous,  but  the  foregoing 
for  the  revolters  and  heathen. 

33  And  as  she  was  talking  with  me, 
two  men  appeared,  and  took  her  upon 
their  shoulders,  and  went  to  the  east, 
where  the  chair  was. 

34  And  she  went  cheerfully  away; 
and  as  she  was  going,  said  unto  me,  Her- 
mas,  be  of  good  cheer. 

VISION  IL 

Again,  of   liis   neglect  in    correcting   liis  talkative 
wile  ;  and  of  liis  lewd  sons.s 

AS  I  was  on  the  way  to  Cuma,  about 
the  same  time  that  I  went  the  year 
hefore,  I  began  to  call  to  mind  the  vision 
I  formerly  had.  And  again  the  spirit 
carried  me  away,  and  brought  me   into 


fEdit.  Oxon.     g  Et  ejus  modo. 


the  same  place,  in  which  I  had  been  the. 
year  before. 

2  And  when  I  was  come  into  the  place, 
I  fell  down  upon  my  knees,  and  began  to 
pray  unto  the  Lord, and  to  glorify  his  name, 
that  he  had  esteemed  me  worthy,  and 
had  manifested  unto  me  my  former  sins. 

3  And  when  I  arose  from  prayer,  be- 
hold I  saw  over  against  me  the  old  wo- 
man whom  r  had  seen  the  last  year, 
walking  and  reading  in  a  certain  book. 

4  And  she  said  unto  me,  can.st  thou 
tell  these  things  to  the  elect  of  God  ?  I 
answered  and  said  unto  her.  Lady,  1  can- 
not retain  so  many  things  in  my  memory, 
but  give  me  the  book,  and  I  will  write 
them  down. 

5  Take  it,  says  she,  and  see  that  thou 
restore  it  again  to  me. 

6  As  soon  as  I  had  received  it,  I  went 
aside  into  a  certain  place  of  the  field,  and 
transcribed  every  letter,  for  I  found  no 
syllables. 

7  ''  And  as  soon  as  I  had  finished  what 
was  written  in  the  book,  the  book  was 
suddenly  caught  out  of  my  hands,  but  by 
whom  I  saw  not. 

8  IT  After  fifteen  days,  when  I  had 
fasted,  and  entreated  the  Lord  with  all 
earnestness,  the  knowledge  of  the  writing 
was  revealed  unio  me.  Now  the  wri- 
ting was  this  : 

9  Thy  seed,  O  Hernias!  hath  sinned 
against  the  Lord,  and  have  betrayed  their 
parents,  through  their  great  wickedness. 
And  they  have  been  called  the  betrayers  of 
their  parents,  and  have  gone  on  in  their 
treachery. 

10  And  now  have  they  added  lewd- 
ness to  their  other  sins,  and  the  pollutions 
of  naughtiness  :  thus  have  they  filled  up 
the  measure  of  their  iniquities.  But  do 
thou  '  upbraid  thy  sons  with  all  these 
words ;  and  thy  wife,  which  shall  be 
thy  sister ;  and  let  her  learn  to  refrain 
her  tongue,  with  which  she  calumniates. 

11  For  when  she  .shall  hear  these 
things,  she  shall  refrain  herself,  and  shall 
obtain  mercy. 

12  And ''  they  shall  be  instructed,  when 
thou  shalt  have  reproached  them  with 
these  words,  which  the  Lord  has  com- 
manded to  be  revealed  unto  thee. 

13  Then  shall  their  sins  be  forgiven 
which  they  have  heretofore  committed, 
and  the  sins  of  all  the  saints,  who  have 


4 


h  Clem.  Ale.x.  Stroin.  vi.     i  Tmproperu.     1^  So  one 
MS.  ill  Coteler.  Edit.  O.xon.    And  she,  &c. 

129 


Of  his  neglect  to 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  III. 


correct  his  children. 


einned  even  unto  this  day  ;  if  they  shall 
repent  with  all  their  hearts,  and  remove 
all  doubts  out  of  their  hearts. 

14  For  the  Lord  hath  sworn  by  his 
glory  concerning  his  'elect,  having  deter- 
mined this  very  time,  that  if  any  one  shall 
""  even  now  sin,  he  shall  not  be  saved. 

1 5  For  the  repentance  of  the  righteous 
has  its  end  :  the  days  of  repentance  are 
fullilled  to  all  the  saints;  but  to  the 
heathen,  there  is  repentance  even  rmto 
t!ie  last  day. 

16  Thou  shalt  therefore  .say  to  those 
who  are  over  the  church,  that  they  order 
their  ways  in  righteousness  ;  that  they 
may  fully  receive  the  promise  with  much 
glory. 

17  Stand  fast  therefore  ye  tiiat  work 
righteousness;  and  continue  to  do  it,  that 
your  departure  may  be  with  the  holy 
angels. 

18  Happy  are  ye,  as  many  as  shall 
endure  the  great  trial  that  is  at  hand,  and 
whosoever  shall  not  deny  his  life. 

19  For  the  Lord  hath  sworn  by  his 
Son,  that  whoso  denieth  his  Son  and 
him,  being  afraid  of  his  life,  he  will  also 
deny  him  in  the  "  world  that  is  to  come. 

20  But  those  who  shall  never  deny 
him,  he  will  of  his  exceeding  great  mer- 
cy be  favourable  unto  them. 

21  Ti  But  thou,  O  Hermas !  remember 
not  the  ^  evils  which  thy  sons  have  done, 
neither  neglect  thy  sister,  but  take  care 
that  they  amend  of  their  former  sins. 

22  For  they  will  be  instructed  by  this 
doctrine,  if  thou  shalt  not  be  mindful  of 
what  they  have  done  wickedly. 

23  For  the  remembrance  of  evils  work- 
eth  death  ;  but  the  forgetting  of  them, 
life  eternal. 

24  But  thou,  O  Hermas  !  hast  under- 
gone a  great  many  worldly  troubles  for 
the  otiences  of  thy  house ;  because  thou 
hast  neglected  them,  as  things  that  did 
not  belong  unto  thee,  and  thou  art  wholly 
taken  up  with  thy  great  business. 

24  Nevertheless,  for  this  cause  shalt 
thou  be  saved,  that  thou  hast  not  depart- 
ed from  the  living  God ;  and  thy  simpli- 
city, and  singular  continency,  shall  pre- 
serve thee,  if  thou  shalt  continue  in  them. 

26  Yea,  they  shall  save  all  such  as 
do  such  things,  and  walk  in  innocence 
and  simplicity. 


1  Day.  PriEfinita  ista  die  etiam  nunc  si  )iecca 
verit  aiiquis.  Lat.  ">  Shall  sin  after  it.  n  Days 
that  ure  coming,    o  Injuries. 

130 


27  They  who  are  of  this  kind,  shall 
prevail  against  all  impiety,  and  continue 
unto  life  eternal. 

38  Happy  are  all  they  that  do  right- 
eousness, they  shall  not  be  consumed  lor 
ever. 

29  But  thou  wilt  say,  behold  there  is 
a  great  trial  coming.  If  it  seems  good  to 
thee,  deny  him  again. 

30  The  Lord  is  nigh  to  them  that  turn 
to  him,  as  it  is  written  in  the  books  of 
PHeldam  and  Modal,  who  prophesied  to 
the  people  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness. 

31  IT  Moreover,  brethren,  it  was  re- 
vealed to  me,  as  I  was  sleeping,  by  a 
very  goodly  young  man,  saying  unto  me. 
What  thinicest  thou  of  that  old  woman 
from  whom  Ihou  receivedst  the  book  ? 
who  is  she  .'     I  answered  a  Sybil. 

32  Thou  art  mistaken,  said  he,  she  is 
not.  1  replied.  Who  is  she  then,  sir  ? 
He  answered  me,  it  is  the  church  of  God. 

33  And  I  said  unto  him,  Why  then 
does  she  appear  old.'  She  is  therefore, 
said  he,  an  old  woman,  because  she  was 
1  the  first  of  all  the  creation,  and  the  world 
was  made  for  her. 

34  After  this  I  saw  a  vision  at  home 
iir  my  own  house,  and  the  old  woman 
whom  I  had  seen  before,  came  to  me  and 
asked  me,  whether  I  had  yet  delivered 
^  her  book  to  the  elders  of  the  church  .' 
And  1  answered,  that  I  had  not  yet. 

35  She  replied.  Thou  hast  well  done  ; 
for  I  have  certain  words  more  to  tell  thee. 
But  when  1  shall  have  finished  all  the 
words,  they  shall  be  clearly  understood 
by  the  elect. 

36  "  And  thou  shalt  write  two  books, 
and  send  one  to  Clement,  and  one  to 
Grapte.  For  Clement  shall  send  it  to 
the  foreign  cities,  because  it  is  permitted 
to  him  so  to  do  :  but  Grapte  shall  admon- 
ish the  widows  and  or])hans. 

37  But  thou  shalt  read  in  this  city 
with  the  elders  of  the  diurch. 

VISION  III. 

or  the  building  of  the  church  triumphant ;   and  of 
the  several  sorts  of  reprobates. 

THE  vision  which  I  saw,  brethren, 
w'as  this. 
2  ^Vhen  1  had  often  fasted  and  prayed 
unto  the  Lord,  that  he  would  manifest  to 
me  the  revelation,  which   he  had  prom- 

p  Eldad  and  Medad.  Numb.  xi.  26,  27.  q  See 
Dr.  Grabe's  Annot.  to  Bishop  Bull's  Def.  Fid  Nic 
p.  24.  Fol.  de  S,  Herma.  r  Suum  is  added  in  th 
Lambeth  MS.    s  Origen.  Philocal.  cap.  ]. 


Of  the  church 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  III. 


triumphant. 


ised  by  the  old  woman  to  show  unto  me  ; 
the  same  night  she  appeared  unto  me, 
and  said  unto  me, 

3  Because  thou  dost  thus  afflict  thy- 
self, and  art  so  desirous  to  know  all 
things,  come  into  the  field  where  thou 
wilt,  and  about  the  sixth  hour  I  will  ap. 
pear  unto  thee,  and  show  thee  what  thou 
must  see. 

4  I  asked  her,  saying ;  Lady,  into 
what  part  of  the  field  .'  She  answered, 
Wherever  thou  wilt,  only  choose  a  good 
and  a  private  place.  And  before  I  began 
to  speak  and  to  tell  her  the  place,  she 
said  unto  me,  I  will  come  where  thou 
wilt. 

5  I  was  therefore,  brethren,  in  the 
field,  and  I  observed  the  hours,  and  came 
into  the  place  where  I  had  appointed  her 
to  come. 

6  And  I  beheld  a  bench  placed ;  it  was 
a  linen  pillow,  and  over  it  spread  a  cov- 
ering of  fine  linen. 

7  When  I  saw  these  things  ordered  in 
this  manner,  and  that  there  was  no  body 
in  the  place,  1  began  to  be  astonished, 
and  my  hair  stood  on  end,  and  a  kind  of 
horror  seized  mc,  for  I  was  alone. 

8  But  being  come  to  myself,  and  cal- 
ling to  mind  the  glory  of  God,  and  taking 
courage,  I  fell  down  upon  my  knees,  and 
began  again  to  confess  my  sins  as  before. 

9  And  whilst  I  was  doing  this,  the  old 
woman  came  thither  with  the  si.Y  young 
men  whom  I  had  seen  before,  and  stood 
behind  me  as  I  was  praying,  and  heard 
me  praying,  and  confessing  my  sins  unto 
the  Lord. 

10  And  touching  me,  she  said  ;  Leave 
off" now  now  to  pray  only  for  thy  sins; 
pray  also  for  righteousness,  that  thou 
mayest  receive  a  part  of  her  in  thy  house. 

1 1  And  she  lifted  me  up  from  the 
place,  and  took  me  by  the  hand,  and 
brought  me  to  the  seat :  and  said  to  the 
young  men,  go  and  build. 

12  As  soon  as  they  were  departed, 
and  we  were  alone,  she  said  unto  me. 
Sit  here.  I  answered  her,  Lady,  let  those 
who  are  elder  sit  first.  She  replied.  Sit 
down  as  I  bid  you. 

1 .3  And  when  I  would  have  sate  down 
on  the  right  side,  she  suflTered  me  not, 
but  made  a  sign  to  me  with  her  hand, 
that  I  should  sit  on  the  left 

14  As  I  was  therefore  musing,  and 
full  of  sorrow,  that  she  would  not  suffer 
me  to  sit  on  the  right  side,  she  said  unto 
me,  Hermas  why  art  thou  sad  ? 


15  The  place  which  is  on  the  right 
hand  is  theirs  who  have  already  attained 
unto  God,  and  have  suftijied  for  his  name 
sake.  But  there  is  yet  a  great  deal  remain- 
ing unto  thee,  before  thou  canst  sit  with 
them. 

16  But  continue,  as  thou  doest,  in  thy 
sincerity,  and  thou  shall  sit  with  them ; 
as  all  others  shall,  that  do  their  works, 
and  shall  bear  what  they  have  borne. 

17  IF  I  said  unto  her.  Lady,  I  would 
know  what  it  is  that  they  have  suffered  ? 
Hear  then,  said  she  :  wild  beasts,  scourg- 
ings,  imprisonments,  and  crosses  for  his 
name  sake. 

18  For  this  cause  the  right  hand  of  ho- 
liness belongs  to  them,  and  to  all  others 
as  many  as  shall  suffer  for  the  name  of 
God ;  but  the  left  belongs  to  the  rest. 

19  Howbeit  the  gifts  and  the  promises 
belong  to  both,  to  them  on  the  right,  and 
to  those  on  the  left  hand  ;  only  that  sit- 
ting on  the  right  hand  they  have  some 
glory  above  the  others. 

20  But  thou  art  desirous  to  sit  on  the 
right  hand  with  them;  and  yet  thy  >  de- 
fects are  many.  But  ihou  shall  be  purged 
from  thy  defects :  as  also  all  who  doubt 
not,  shall  be  cleansed  from  all  the  sins 
which  they  have  committed  unto  this 
day. 

21  And  when  she  had  said  this,  she 
would  have  de})arted ; 

22  Wherefore  falling  down  before  her 
feet,  I  began  to  intreat  her,  for  the  Lord's 
sake,  that  she  would  shew  me  the  vision 
which  she  had  promised. 

23  Then  she  again  took  me  by  the 
hand,  and  lifted  me  up,  and  made  me  sit 
upon  the  seat  on  the  left  side  ;  and  hold- 
ing up  a  certain  bright  wand,  said  unto 
me,  Seest  thou  that  great  thing .'  I  re- 
plied. Lady,  I  see  nothing. 

24  She  answered,  DoTst  thou  not  see 
over  against  thee  a  great  tower,  which  is 
built  upon  the  waters  with  bright  square 
stones  .' 

25  For  the  tower  was  built  upon  a 
square  by  those  si.x  young  men  that  came 
with  her. 

26  But  many  thousands  of  other  men 
brought  stones  :  some  drew  them  out  of 
the  deep ;  others  carried  them  from  the 
ground,  and  gave  them  to  the  six  young 
men.     And  they  took  them  and  built. 

27  As  for  those  stones  which  were 
drawn  out  of  the  deep,  they  put  them  all 


'  Lat.  Exiguitates. 


131 


Of  the  church 


r.  HERMAS— VISION  III. 


triumphant. 


into  the  building  ;  for  they  were  polished 
and  their  squares  exactly  answered  one 
another,  and  so  one  was  joined  in  such 
wise  to  the  other,  that  there  was  no 
space  to  he  seen  where  they  joined  :  in- 
somuch that  the  whole  tower  appeared 
to  be  built  as  it  were  of  one  stone. 

28  But  as  for  the  other  stones  that 
were  taken  ofi  from  the  ground,  some  of 
them  they  rejected,  others  they  fitted  into 
the  building. 

29  As  for  those  which  they  rejected, 
some  they  cut  out,  and  cast  them  at  a 
distance  from  the  tower ;  but  many  others 
of  them  lay  round  about  tlie  tower,  which 
they  made  no  use  of  in  the  building.         | 

30  For  some  of  these  were   rough,  | 
others  had  clefts  in   them ;  others  were  j 
white  and  round,  not  proper  for  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower. 

31  But  I  saw  the  other  stones  cast  afar 
off  from  the  tower,  and   falling  into  the  i 
high-way,  and  yet  not  continuing  in  the  j 
way,  but  were  rolled  from  the  way  into  | 
a  desert  place. 

32  Others  I  saw  falling  into  the  fire 
and  burning ;  others  fell  near  the  water, 
yet  could  not  roll  themselves  into  it, 
though  very  desirous  to  fall  into  the  wa- 
ter. 

33  ^  And  when  she  had  shewed  me 
these  things,  she  would  have  departed. 
But  1  said  unto  her,  Lady,  what  doth  it 
profit  me  to  see  these  things,  and  not  un- 
derstand what  they  mean  ? 

34  She  answered  and  said  unto  me, 
You  are  very  cunning,  in  that  you  are 
desirous  to  know  those  things  which 
"  relate  to  the  tower  Yea,  said  1,  lady, 
that  I  may  declare  them  unto  the  breth- 
ren, and  they  may  rejoice,  and  hearing 
these  things  may  glorify  God  with  great 
glory. 

35  Then  she  said.  Many  indeed  shall 
hear  them,  and  when  they  shall  have 
beard  them,  some  shall  rejoice  and  others 
weep.  And  yet  even  these,  if  they  shall 
lepent,  shall  rejoice  too. 

36  Hear  therefore  what  I  shall  say 
concerning  the  parable  of  the  tower,  and 
after  this  be  no  longer  importimate  with 
me  about  the  revelation. 

37  For  these  revelations  have  an  end, 
seeing  they  are  fulfilled.  But  thou  dost 
not  leave  off  to  desire  revelation ;  for  thou 
art  very  ''  urgent. 

38  As  for  the  tower  which  thou  seest 


a  Are  about,    t  Edit.  Oxot 

132 


built,  it  is  I  myself,  namely  the  church, 
which  have  appeared  to  thee  both  now, 
and  heretofore.  'Wherefore  ask  what 
thou  wilt  concerning  the  tower,  and  I  will 
reveal  it  unto  thee,  that  thou  mayest  re- 
joice with  the  saints. 

39  I  said  unto  her:  Lady,  because 
thou  hast  thought  me  once  worthy  to  re- 
ceive from  thee  the  revelation  of  all  these 
things,  declare  them  unto  me. 

40  She  answered  me,  Whatsoever  is 
fit  to  be  revealed  unto  thee  shall  be  re- 
vealed :  *■  only  let  thy  heart  be  with  the 
Lord,  and  doubt  not,  whatsoever  thou 
shah  see. 

41  I  asked  her,  Lady,  why  is  the  tow- 
er built  upon  the  "water?  She  replied, 
f  said  before  to  thee  that  thou  wert  very 
wise,  to  inquire  diligently  concerning  the 
building,  therefore  thou.shalt  find  the 
truth. 

42  Hear  therefore  why  the  tower  is 
built  upon  the  water:  becav.se  your  life  is 
and  shall  be  saved  by  water,  s  For  it  is 
founded  by  the  word  of  the  almighty  and 
honorable  name,  and  is  supported  by  the 
invisible  power  and  virtue  of  God. 

13  ^  And  [  answering,  said  unto  her, 
These  things  are  very  admirable :  but, 
lady,  who  are  those  si.x;  young  men  that 
buiid  ? 

44  They  are,  said  she,  the  angeLs  of 
God,  which  were  first  appointed,  and  to 
whom  the  Lord  has  delivered  all  his  crea- 
tures, to  frame  and  build  them  up,  and  to 
rule  over  them.  For  by  these  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower  shall  be  finished. 

45  And  who  are  the  rest  who  bring 
them  stones  ? 

4(J  They  also  are  the  holy  angels  of 
the  Lord  ;  but  the  other  are  more  excel- 
lent than  these.  Wherefore  when  the 
whole  building  of  the  tower  shall  be  fin- 
ished, they  shall  all  feast  together  beside 
the  tower,  and  shall  glorify  God,  because 
the  structure  of  the  tower  is  finished. 

47  I  asked  her,  saying,  I  would  know 
the  condition  of  the  stones,  and  the  mean- 
ing of  them,  what  it  is  ? 

48  She  answering,  said  unto  me.  Art 
thou  better  than  all  others,  that  this 
should  be  revealed  unto  thee  ?  For  others 
are  both  before  thee,  and  better  than  thou 
art,  to  whom  these  visions  should  be 
made  manifest : 

49  Nevertheless,  that  the  name  of  God 


w  Clem.  Alex.  Strom,  xii.     x  Baptism.     xName 
ly,  the  tower. 


and  of  several  sorts 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  III. 


of  reprobates. 


may  be  crlorifled,  it  has  been  and  shall  be 
revealed  unto  thee,  for  the  sake  of  those 
who  are  doubtful,  and  think  in  their 
hearts  whether  these  things  are  so  or  not. 

50  Tell  them  that  all  these  things  are 
true,  and  that  there  is  nothing  in  them 
that  is  not  true  ;  but  all  are  firm  and  truly 
established. 

51  IT  Hear  now  then,  concerning  the 
stones  that  are  in  the  building. 

52  The  square  and  white  stones,  which 
agree  exactly  in  their  joints,  are  the 
apostles,  and  bishops,  and  doctors  and 
ministers,  who  through  the  mercy  of 
God  have  come  in,  and  goveraed,  and 
taught,  and  ministeied  holily  and  modest- 
ly to  the  elect  of  God,  both  they  that  are 
fallen  asleep,  and  which  yet  remaiir  ;  and 
have  alv/ays  agreed  with  them,  and  have 
had  peace  within  themselves,  and  have 
heard  each  other. 

53  For  which  cause  their  joints  exact- 
ly meet  together  in  the  building  of  the 
tower. 

54  They  which  are  drawn  out  of  the 
deep  and  put  into  the  building,  and  whose 
joints  agree  with  the  otiier  stones  which 
are  already  built,  are  those  which  are  al- 
ready fallen  asleep,  and  have  suffered  for 
the  sake  of  the  Lord's  name. 

55  And  what  are  the  other  stones, 
lady,  that  are  brought  from  the  earth ; 
1  would  knov,'  what  they  are  ? 

56  She  answered.  They  which  lie 
upon  the  ground  and  are  not  polished,  are 
those  which  God  has  approved,  because 
they  have  walked  in  *  the  law  of  the 
Lord,  and  directed  their  ways  in  his  com- 
mandments. 

47  They  which  are  brought  and  put 
in  the  building  of  the  tower,  are  the 
young  in  faith  and  the  faithful.  And 
these  are  admonished  by  the  angels  to  do 
well,  because  th.v  iniquity  is  not  found 
in  them. 

58  But  who  ar ;  those  whom  they  re- 
jected, and  laid  beside  the  tower  ? 

59  They  are  such  as  have  sinned,  and 
are  willing  to  repent;  for  which  cause 
they  are  not  cast  far  from  the  tower,  be- 
cause they  will  be  useful  for  the  building, 
if  they  shall  repent. 

60  They  therefore  that  are  yet  to  re- 
pent, if  they  shall  repent  shall  become 
strong  in  the  faith  ;  that  is,  if  they  repent 
now,  v/hilst  the  tower  is  building.  For 
if  the  building  shall  be  finished  there  will 


2  In  oequitatem  Domini.    Lat. 


then  be  no  place  for  them  to  be  put  in, 
but  they  shall  be  rejected  :  for  he  only 
has  this  privilege  who  shall  now  be  put 
into  the  tower. 

61  TT  But  would  you  know  who  they 
are  that  were  cut  out,  and  cast  afar  off 
from  the  tower  .^  *  Lady,  said  I,  I  desire 
it. 

62  They  are  tne  children  of  iniquity, 
who  believed  only  in  hypocrisy,  but  de- 
parted not  from  their  evil  ways :  for  this 
cause  they  shall  not  be  saved,  because 
they  are  not  of  any  u.se  in  the  building 
by  reason  of  their  sins. 

63  Wherefore  they  are  cut  out  and 
cast  afar  off,  because  of  the  anger  of  the 
Lord,  and  because  they  have  provoked 
him  to  anger  against  them. 

64  As  for  the  great  nu.mb;r  of  other 
stones  which  thou  hast  seen  placed  about 
the  tower,  but  not  put  into  the  building ; 
those  which  are  rugged,  are  they  which 
have  known  the  truth,  but  have  not  con- 
tinued in  it,  nor  been  joined  to  the  saints; 
and  therefore  unprofitable. 

65  Those  that  have  clefts  in  them,  are 
they  who  keep  up  discord  in  their  hearts 
against  each  other,  and  live  not  in  peace  ; 
that  are  friendly  when  present  with  their 
brethren;  but  as  soon  as  they  are  depart- 
ed from  one  another,  their  wickedness 
still  continues  in  their  hearts  ;  these  are 
the  clefts  which  are  seen  in  those  stones. 

66  Those  that  are  maimed  and  short, 
are  they  who  have  believed  indeed,  but 
still  are  in  great  measure  full  of  wicked- 
ness ;  for  this  cause  are  they  maimed  and 
not  whole. 

67  But  what  are  the  white  and  round 
stones,  lady,  and  which  are  not  proper 
for  the  building  of  the  tower  ? 

68  She  answering  said  unto  m.e,  How 
long  W'ilt  thou  continue  foolish  and  with- 
out understanding;  asking  everything 
and  discernmg  nothing  .' 

69  They  are  such  as  have  faith  in- 
deed ;  but  have  withal  the  riches  of  this 
present  world.  When  therefore  any 
''trouble.!  arise,  for  the  sake  of  their 
riches  and  traffic,  they  deny  the  Lord. 

70  I  answering,  said  unto  her ;  When 
therefore  will  they  be  profitable  to  the 
Lord  ?  When  their  riches  shall  be  cut 
away,  says  she,  in  which  they  take  de- 
light,  then  they  will  be  profitable  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  building. 

71  For  as  a  round  stone,  unless  it  be 


a  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon. 


b  Tribulation  arise*, 

133 


Of  the  church 


1.  HERMAS. 


triumphanty 


cut  away,  and  cast  somewhat  off  its  bulk, 
cannot  be  made  square  ;  so  they  who  are 
rich  in  this  world,  unless  their  riches  be 
pared  off,  cannot  be  made  profitable  unto 
the  Lord. 

72  Learn  this  from  thy  own  experi- 
ence :  when  thou  wert  rich,  thou  wast 
unprofitable ;  but  now  thou  art  profitable, 
and  fit  lor  the  life  which  thou  hast  under- 
taken ;  for  thou  also  wast  one  of  those 
stones. 

73  H  As  for  the  rest  of  the  stones 
which  thou  sawest  cast  afar  off'  from  the 
tower,  and  running  in  the  way;  and 
tumbled  out  of  the  way  into  deseit  pla- 
ces ;  they  are  such  as  have  believed  in- 
deed, but  through  their  doubting  have 
forsaken  the  true  way,  thinking  that  they 
could  find  a  better.  But  they  wander 
and  are  miserable,  going  into  desolate 
ways. 

74  Then  for  those  stones  which  fell 
into  the  fire,  and  were  burnt ;  they  are 
those  who  have  "^  for  ever  departed  from 
the  living  God  ;  nor  doth  it  ever  come 
into  their  hearts  to  repent,  by  reason  of 
the  affection  which  they  bear  to  their  lusts 
and  wickednesses  which  they  commit. 

75  And  what  are  the  rest  which  fell 
by  the  water,  and  could  not  roll  into  the 
water  .' 

76  They  are  such  as  have  heard  the 
word ;  and  were  willing  to  be  baptised 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  but  considering 
the  great  holiness  which  the  truth  re- 
quires, have  withdrawn  themselves,  and 
walked  again  after  their  wicked  lusts. 

77  Thus  she  finished  the  explication 
of  the  tower. 

78  But  I  being  still  urgent,  asked  her  : 
Is  there  repentance  allowed  to  all  those 
stones  which  are  thus  cast  away,  and 
were  not  suitable  to  the  building  of  the 
tower  ;  and  shall  they  find  place  in  this 
tower .' 

79  They  may  repent,  said  she,  but 
they  cannot  come  into  this  tower ;  but 
they  shall  be  placed  in  a  much  lower 
rank  ;  and  this  after  that  they  shall  have 
been  afflicted,  and  fulfilled  the  days  of 
their  sins. 

80  And  for  this  cause  they  shall  be 
removed,  because  they  have  received  the 
word  of  righteousness  ;  and  then  they 
shall  ,be  translated  from  their  afflictions, 
if  they  shall  have  a  true  sense  in  their 
hearts  of  what  they  have  done  amiss. 


134 


c  Finally. 


81  But  if  they  shall  not  have  this 
sense  in  their  hearts,  they  shall  not  be 
saved,  by  reason  of  the  hardness  of  their 
hearts. 

82  H  When  therefore  I  had  done  ask- 
ing her  concerning  all  the.se  things,  she 
said  unto  me :  Wilt  thou  see  somewhat 
else  ?  And  being  desirous  of  seeing  it, 
I  became  very  cheerful  of  countenance. 

83  She  therefore  looking  back  upon 
me,  and  smiling  a  little,  said  unto  me  : 
Seest  thou  seven  women  about  the 
tower  ?     Lady,  said  I,  I  see  them. 

84  This  tower,  replied  she,  is  sup- 
ported by  them,  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Lord :  hear  therefore  the 
effects  of  them. 

85  The  first  of  them  which  holds  fast 
with  her  hand,  is  called  Faith  ;  by  her  the 
elect  shall  be  saved.  The  next  which  is 
girt  up,  and  looks  manly,  is  named  Ab- 
stinence :  she  is  the  daughter  of  Faith. 

86  Whosoever  therefore  shall  follow 
her,  shall  be  happy  in  all  his  life  ;  be- 
cause he  shall  abstain  from  all  evil 
works,  believing  that  if  he  shall  contain 
himself  from  all  concupiscence,  he  shall 
be  the  heir  of  eternal  life.  And  what, 
lady,  said  I,  are  the  other  five  ? 

87  They  are,  replied  she,  the  daugh- 
ters of  one  another.  The  first  of  them 
is  called  Simplicity  ;  the  next  Innocence ; 
the  third  Modesty  ;  then  Discipline  ;  and 
the  last  of  all  is  Charity.  When  there- 
fore thou  shalt  have  fulfilled  the  works 
of  their  mother,  thou  shalt  be  able  to  do 
all  things. 

88  [.ady,  said  I,  I  would  know  what 
particular  virtue  every  one  of  these  has. 

89  Hear  then,  replied  she  ;  they  have 
equal  virtues,  and  their  virtues  are  knit 
together,  and  follow  one  another  as  they 
were  born. 

90  From  Faith  proceeds  Abstinence  ; 
from  Abstinencf ,  Simplicity;  from  Sim- 
plicity, Innocence  ;  fr^m  Innocence,  Mod- 
esty ;  from  Modesty,  Discipline  and  Char- 
ity. Therefore  the  works  of  these  are 
holy  and  chaste,  and  right. 

91  Whosoever  therefore  shall  serve 
these,  and  hold  fast  to  their  works,  he 
shall  have  his  dwelling  in  the  tower  with 
the  saints  of  God. 

92  Then  I  asked  her  concerning  the 
times,  whether  the  end  were  now  at 
hand .' 

93  But  she  cried  out  with  a  loud  voice, 
saying  :  O  foolish  man  !     Dost  thou  not 

'  see  the  tower  yet  a  building .'      When 


end  of  several  sorts 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  III. 


of  reproicUeS. 


therefore  the  tower  shall  be  finished,  and 
built,  it  shall  have  an  end  ;  and  indeed  it 
shall  soon  be  accomplished. 

94  But  do  not  ask  me  any  more  ques- 
tions. What  has  been  said  may  suffice 
thee  and  all  the  saints  ;  for  the  refresh- 
ment of  your  spirits.  For  these  things 
have  not  been  revealed  to  ihee  only,  but 
that  thou  mayest  make  them  manifest 
unto  all. 

95  For  therefore,  0  Hermas,  after  three 
days  thou  must  understand  these  woids 
which  I  begin  to  speak  unto  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  speak  them  in  the  ears  of  the 
saints ;  that  when  they  shall  have  heard 
and  done  them,  they  may  be  cleansed 
from  their  iniquities,  and  thou  together 
with  them. 

96  II  Hear  me  therefore,  0  my  sons  ! 
I  have  bred  you  up  in  much  simplicity, 
and  innocencj',  and  modesty,  for  the 
mercy  of  God,  which  has  dropped  down 
upon  you  in  righteousness ;  that  you 
should  be  sanctified,  and  justified  from 
all  sin  and  wickedness :  but  ye  will  not 
cease  from  your  evil-doings. 

97  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  me, 
and  have  peace  one  with  another,  and 
visit  one  another,  and  receive  one  another, 
and  do  not  enjoy  the  creatures  of  God  alone. 

98  Give  freely  to  them  that  are  in  need. 
For  some  by  loo  free  feeding  contract  an 
infirmity  in  their  flesh,  and  do  injury  to 
their  bodies  ;  whilst  the  flesh  of  others, 
who  have  not  food,  withers  away,  be- 
cause they  want  sufficient  nourishment, 
and  their  bodies  are  consumed. 

99  Wherefore  this  intemperance  is 
hurtful  to  you,  who  have  and  do  not 
communicate  to  them  that  want.  Pre- 
pare for  the  judgment  that  is  about  to 
come  upon  you. 

100  Ye  that  are  the  more  eminent, 
search  out  them  that  are  hungry,  whilst 
the  tower  is  yet  unfinished.  For  when 
the  tower  shall  be  finished,  ye  shall  be 
willing  to  do  good,  and  shall  not  find  any 
place  in  it. 

101  Beware  therefore,  ye  that  glory  in 
your  riches,  lest  perhaps  they  groan  who 
are  in  want ;  and  their  sighing  come  up 
unto  God,  and  ye  be  shut  out  with  your 
goods  without  the  gate  of  the  tower. 

102  Behold  I  now  warn  you  who  are 
set  over  the  church,  and  love  the  highest 
seats ;  be  not  ye  like  unto  those  that 
work  mischief. 

103  And  they  indeed  carry  about  their 
poison  in  boxes ;  but  ye  contain  your 


poLson  and  "^infection  in  your  hearts  ;  and 
will  not  purge  them,  and  mix  your  sense 
with  a  pure  heart,  that  ye  may  find  mercy 
with  the  Great  King. 

104  Take  heed,  my  children,  that  your 
dissensions  deprive  you  not  of  j'our  lives. 
How  will  )'e  instruct  the  elect  of  God, 
when  ye  yourselves  want  correction  .' 
Wherefore  admonish  one  another,  and  be 
at  peace  among  yourselves  ;  that  I  stand- 
ing before  your  father,  may  give  an  ac- 
count for  you  unto  the  Lord. 

105  And  when  she  had  made  an  end 
of  talking  with  me,  the  six  young  men 
that  built,  came  and  carried  her  to  the 
tower;  and  four  others  took  up  the  seat 
on  which  she  sate,  and  they  also  went 
away  again  to  the  tower.  I  saw  not  the 
faces  of  these,  for  their  backs  were  to- 
wards me. 

106  As  she  was  going  away,  I  asked 
her,  that  she  would  reveal  to  me  what 
concerned  the  three  forms,  in  which  she 
had  appeared  unto  me. 

107  But  she  answering  said  unto  me  : 
Concerning  these  things  thou  must  ask 
some  other,  that  they  may  be  revealed 
unto  thee. 

108  Now,  brethren,  in  the  first  vision 
the  last  year,  she  appeared  unto  me  ex- 
ceeding old,  and  sitting  in  a  chair. 

109  In  another  vision,  she  had  indeed 
a  youthful  face,  but  her  flesh  and  hair 
were  old ;  and  she  talked  with  me  stand- 
ing, and  was  more  cheerful  than  the  first 
time. 

110  In  the  third  vision,  she  was  in  all 
respects  much  younger,  and  comely  to 
the  eye ;  only  she  had  the  hair  of  an 
aged  person  :  yet  she  looked  cheerful,  and 
sate  upon  a  seat. 

111  I  was  therefore  very  sad  concern- 
ing these  things,  until  I  might  understand 
the  vision. 

112  Wherefore  I  saw  the  same  old 
woman  in  a  vision  of  the  night  saying 
unto  me;  all  prayer  needeth  humiliation. 
Fast  therefore,  and  thou  shall  learn  from 
the  Lord  that  which  thou  dost  ask.  I 
fasted  therefore  one  day. 

113  The  same  night  a  young  man  ap- 
peared to  me  and  said :  Why  dost  thou 
thus  often  desire  Revelations  in  thy  pray- 
ers .'  Take  heed  that  by  asking  many 
things,  thou  hurl  not  thy  body.  Let 
these  Revelations  suffice  thee. 

114  Canst  thou  see  more  notable  Rev- 


d  Medicaments. 


135 


Of  the  tribulation 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  IV. 


to  come. 


elations  than  those  which  thou  hast  al- 
ready received. 

I  answered  and  said  unto  him  :  Sir,  I 
only  ask- this  one  thing  upon  the  account 
of  the  three  figures  of  the  old  woman 
that  appeared  to  me,  that  the  Revelation 
may  be  complete. 

116  He  answered  me;  You  are  not 
without  understanding,  bat  your  doubts 
make  you  so  ;  forasmuch  as  you  have 
not  your  heart  with  the  Lord. 

117  I  replied  and  .said;  But  we  shall 
learn  these  things  more  carefully  from 
you. 

118  IT  Hear  then,  says  he,  concerning 
the  figures,  about  which  j'^ou  inquire. 

119  And  first,  in  the  iirst  vision  .she 
appeared  to  thee  in  the  shape  of  an  old 
woman  sitting  in  a  chair ;  because  your 
old  s])irit  was  decayed,  and  without 
strength,  by  reason  of  your  infirmities, 
and  the  doubtfulness  of  your  heart. 

120  For  as  they  who  are- old  have  no 
hope  of  renewing  themselves,  nor  expect 
anything  but  their  departure :  so  you 
being  weakened  through  your  worldly 
aflfairs  gave  yourself  up  to  sloth,  and  cast 
not  away  your  solicitude  from  yourself 
upon  the  Lord  ;  and  your  sense  was  'con- 
fused, and  you  grew  old  in  your  sadness. 

121  But,  Sir,  T  would  know  wliy  .she 
sate  upon  a  chair .' 

122  He  answered,  Because  every  one 
that  is  weak,  sitteth  upon  a  chair  by  rea- 
son of  hi.s  infirmity,  that  his  weakness 
may  be  upheld  :  Behold  therefore  the  fig- 
ure of  the  first  vision. 

123  If  In  the  second  vision  you  saw 
her  standing,  and  having  a  youthful  face, 
and  more  cheerful  tlian  her  former ;  but 
her  flesh  and  her  hair  were  ancient. 
Hear,  said  he,  this  parable  also. 

124  When  any  one  grows  old,  he  des- 
pairs of  himself  by  reason  of  his  infirm- 
ity and  poverty  ;  and  expects  nothing  but 
the  last  day  of  his  life. 

125  But  on  a  sudden  an  inheritance  is 
left  to  him  ;  and  he  hears  of  it,  and  ri- 
ses ;  and  being  become  cheerful,  he  puts 
on  new  strength.  And  now  he  no  longer 
sits  down,  but  stands ;  and  is  delivered 
from  his  former  sorrow  ;  and  sits  not,  but 
acis  manfully. 

126  So  you,  having  heard  the  Revela- 
tion which  God  revealed  unto  you ;  be- 
cause God  had  compassion  upon  you,  and 
renewed  your  spirit ;  both  laid  aside  your 


e  Broken,  Contusus. 


infirmities,  and  strength  came  to  you,  and 
you  grew  strong  in  the  faith  ;  and  God 
seeing  your  strength,  rejoiced. 

127  For  this  cause  he  showed  you  the 
building  of  the  tower;  and  will  shew 
other  things  unto  you,  if  you  shall  have 
peace  with  all  your  heart  among  each 
other. 

128  IT  But  in  the  third  vision  you  saw 
her  yet  younger  ;  rfair  and  cheerful,  and 
of  a  serene  countenance. 

129  For  as  if  some  good  news  comes 
to  one  that  is  sad,  he  straightway  forgets 
his  sadness,  and  regards  nothing  else  but 
the  good  news  which  he  has  heard  ;  and 
for  the  rest  he  is  comforted,  and  his  spirit 
is  renewed  through  the  joy  which  he  has 
received :  even  so  you  have  been  re- 
freshed in  your  spirit,  by  !=;eeing  these 
good  things. 

130  And  for  that  you  saw  her  sitting 
upon  a  bench,  it  denotes  a  .strong  posi- 
tion ;  because  a  bench  has  four  feet,  and 
stands  strongly.  And  even  the  world  it- 
self is  upheld  b)-  the  four  elements. 

131  They  therefore  that  repent  per- 
fectly, shall  be  young  ;  and  they  that 
turn  from  their  sins  with  their  whole 
heart,  shall  be  established. 

132  And  now  you  have  the  Revelation 
fully ;  ask  no  more  to  have  anything 
farther  revealed  unto  j'ou. 

133  Bi't  if  anything  be  to  be  revealed, 
it  shall  be  made  manifest  unto  you. 

VISION  IV. 

Of  the  triul  and  tribulation  that  is  about  to  come 
upon  men. 

I  SAW  a  vision,  brethren,  twenty  days 
after  the  former  vision  ;  a  representa- 
tion of  the  tribulation  that  is  at  hand.  1 
was  walking  in  the  field-v/ay. 

2  Now  from  the  public  way  to  the 
place  whither  I  went  is  about  ten  fur- 
longs ;  it  is  a  way  very  little  frequented  : 

3  And  as  I  was  walking  alone,  I  en- 
treated the  Lord  that  he  would  confirm 
the  Revelations  which  he  had  shewed 
unto  me  by  his  Holy  Church  : 

4  And  would  grant  repentance  to  all 
his  servants,  svho  had  been  offended,  that 
his  great  and  honourable  name  might  be 
glorified ;  and  because  he  thought  me 
worthy  sto  whom  he  might  shew  his 
wonders ;  and  that  I  might  honour  him, 
and  give  thanks  unto  him. 

5  And  behold  somewhat  like  a  voice 


f  Honestam.      £  That  he  would  shew  me. 


136 


Of  the  tribulations 


I.  HERMAS— VISION  IV. 


to  come. 


answered  me  ;  Doubt  not,  Hermas. 
Wherefore  I  began  to  think,  and  say 
within  myself ;  why  should  I  doubt,  see- 
ing I  am  thus  settled  by  the  Lord,  and 
have  seen  such  glorious  things  ? 

6  I  had  gone  but  a  little  farther,  breth- 
ren, when  behold  I  saw  a  dust  rise  up  to 
heaven.  I  began  to  say  within  myself; 
Is  there  a  drove  of  cattle  coming,  that 
raises  such  a  dust  ? 

7  It  was  about  a  furlong  off  from  me. 
And  behold  I  saw  the  dust  rise  more  and 
more,  insomuch  that  1  began  to  suspect 
that  there  was  '•somewhat  extraordinary 
in  it. 

8  And  the  sun  shone  a  little  ;  and  be- 
hold I  saw  a  great  beast,  as  it  were  a 
whale  ;  and  fiery  locusts  came  out  of  his 
mouth.  The  height  of  the  beast  was 
about  a  hundred  feet ;  and  he  had  a  head 
hke  a  •  large  earthen  vessel. 

9  I  began  to  weep,  and  to  pray  unto 
the  Lord,  that  he  would  deliver  me  from 
it.  Then  I  called  to  mind  the  word 
which  I  had  heard  ;  Doubt  not,  Hermas. 

10  Wherefore,  brethren,  putting  on  a 
divine  faith,  and  remembering  who  it  was 
that  had  taught  me  great  things,  I  deliv- 
ered myself  boldly  unto  the  beast. 

11  Now  the  beast  came  on  in  such  a 
manner,  as  if  it  could  ''  at  once  have  de- 
voured a  »ity. 

12  [  came  near  unto  it;  and  the  beast 
extended  its  whole  bulk  upon  the  ground  ; 
and  put  forth  nothing  but  its  tongue,  nor 
once  moved  itself,  till  I  had  quite  passed 
by  it. 

13  Now  the  beast  had  upon  its  head 
four  colours,  first  black,  then  a  red  and 
bloody  colour,  then  a  golden,  and  then  a 
white. 

14  ^  After  that  I  had  passed  by  it, 
and  was  gone  forward  about  thirty  foot ; 
behold  there  met  me  a  certain  virgin  well 
arlorned,  as  if  she  had  been  just  come 
out  of  her  bnde-chamber  ;  all  in  white, 
having  on  white  shoes,  and  a  veil  down 
her  face,  and  covered  with  shining  hair. 

15  Now  I  knew  by  my  former  visions 
that  it  was  the  church ;  and  thereupon 
grew  the  more  cheerful.  She  saluted  me 
saying,  Hail  0  man  !  I  returned  the  sal- 
utation, saying,  Lady,  Hail ! 

16  She  answering  said  unto  me,  Did 
nothing  meet  you,  0  man !  I  replied  ; 
Lady,  there  met  me  such  a  beast,  as 
seemed  able  to  devour  a  whole  people ; 

fc  Aliquid  (livinitus.    i  Vas  urnale.    k  In  ictu. 


but  by  the  power  of  God,  and  through 
his  singular  mercy  I  escaped  it. 

17  Thou  didst  escape  it  well,  said  she  ; 
because  thou  didst  cast  thy  whole  care 
upon  God  ;  and  openedst  thy  heart  unto 
him  ;  believing  that  thou  couldst  be  safe 
by  no  other,  than  by  his  great  and  hon- 
ourable name. 

18  For  this  cause  the  Lord  sent  his 
angel,  who  is  over  the  beast,  whose  name 
is  Hegrin,  and  stopped  his  mouth,  that  he 
should  not  devour  thee.  Thou  hast  es- 
caped a  great  trial  through  th}'  faith,  and 
because  thou  didst  not  doubt  for  such  a 
terrible  beast. 

19  Go  therefore,  and  relate  to  the  elect 
of  God,  the  great  things  that  he  hath 
done  for  thee.  And  thou  shalt  say  unto 
them,  that  this  beast  is  the  figure  of  the 
trial  that  is  about  to  come. 

20  If  therefore  ye  shall  have  prepared 
yourselves,  ye  may  escape  it,  if  your 
heart  be  pure  and  without  spot ;  and  if 
ye  shall  serve  God  all  the  rest  of  your 
days  without  complaint. 

21  Cast  all  your  cares  upon  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  direct  them.  Believe  in  God, 
ye  doubtful,  because  he  can  do  all  tilings  ; 
he  can  both  turn  away  his  wrath  fiom 
you,  and  send  you  help  and  security. 

22  Wo  to  the  doubtful,  to  those  who 
shall  hear  these  words,  and  shall  despise 
them :  it  had  been  better  for  them  that 
they  had  not  been  boiii. 

23  IT  Then  I  asked  her  concerning  the 
four  colours  which  the  beast  had  upon 
its  head.  But  she  answered  me,  sayiiig; 
Again  thou  art  curious  in  tliat  thou  asii- 
est  concerning  these  things.  And  I  Si^id 
unto  her.  Lady,  shew  xm  wh.at  they  are  .' 

24  Hear,  said  she  :  the  black  which 
thou  sawest,  denotes  the  world  in  which 
you  dwell.  The  fiery  and  bloody  col- 
our, signifies  that  this  age  must  be  des- 
troyed by  lire  and  blood. 

25  The  golden  part  are  ye,  who  have 
escaped  out,  of  it.  For  as  gold  is  tried 
by  the  fire,  and  is  mads  profitable,  so  are 
ye  also  in  like  manner  tried  v»-ho  dwell 
among  the  men  of  this  world. 

26  They  therefore  that  shall  endure  to 
the  end,  and  be  proved  by  them  shall  be 
purged.  And  as  gold,  by  this  trial  is 
cleansed  and  loses  its  dross;  so  shal  ye 
aL-^o  cast  away  all  sorrow  and  trouble ; 
and  be  made  pure  for  the  building  of  the 
tower. 

27  But  the  white  colour  denotes  the 
time  of  the  world  which  is  to  come,  in 

137 


Inlroduci'ion. 


IT.  HERMAS. 


Believinn-  in  God, 


which  the  elect  of  God  shall  dwell :  be- 
cause the  elect  of  God  shall  be  pure  and 
without  spot  unto  life  eternal. 

28  Wherefore  do  not  thou  cease  to 
speak  these  things  in  the  ears  of  the 
saints.  Here  ye  have  the  figure  of  the 
great  tribulation  that  is  about  to  come  ; 
which,  if  you  please,  shall  be  nothing  to 


you.     Keep  therefore  in  mind  the  things 
which  I  have  said  unto  you. 

29  When  she  had  spoken  thus  much, 
she  departed  ;  but  I  saw  not  whither  she 
went.  But  suddenly  I  heard  a  noise, 
and  I  turned  back,  being  afraid;  for  I 
thought  that  the  beast  was  coming  to- 
ward me. 


The  Second  Book  of  HERMAS,  called  his  COMMANDS. 


IT  Introduclion. 
"HEN  I  had  prayed  at  home,  and 
was  sat  down  upon  the  bed  ;  a  cer- 
tain man  came  in  to  me  with  a  reverend 
look,  in  the  habit  of  a  shepherd  cloathed 
with  a  white  cloak,  having  his  bag  upon 
his  back,  and  his  staff' in  his  hand,  and 
saluted  me. 

2  I  returned  his  salutation ;  and  im- 
mediately he  sat  down  by  me,  and  said 
unto  me  ;  I  am  sent  by  that  venerable 
messenger,  that  I  should  dwell  with  thee 
all  the  remaining  days  of  thy  life. 

3  But  I  thought  that  he  was  come  to 
try  me,  and  said  unto  him,  Who  are  you  .' 
For  1  know  to  whom  I  am  committed. 
He  said  unto  me,  Do  you  not  know  me  .■■ 
I  answered,  No.  I  am,  said  he,  that 
shepherd,  to  whose  care  you  are  deliv- 
ered. 

4  Whilst  he  was  yet  speaking,  his 
shape  was  changed  ;  and  when  I  knew 
that  it  was  he  to  whom  1  was  committed, 
1  was  ashamed,  and  a  sudden  fear  came 
upon  me,  and  I  was  utterly  overcome 
with  sadness,  because  I  had  spoken  so 
foolishly  unto  him. 

5  But  he  .said  unto  me.  Be  not  asham- 
ed, but  receive  strength  in  thy  mind, 
through  the  commands  which  I  am  about 
to  deUver  unto  thee.  For,  said  he,  I  am 
sent  to  shew  unto  thee  all  those  things 
again,  which  thou  hast  seen  before  ;  but 
especially  such  of  them  as  may  be  of 
most  use  unto  thee. 

6  And  first  of  all  write  my  Commands 
and  Similitutles,  the  rest  thou  shalt  so 
\\rite  as  I  .shall  shew  unto  thee.  But  I 
therefore  bid  thee  first  of  all  write  my 
Commands  and  Similitudes,  that  by  often 

138 


reading  of  thfip,  thou  mayest  the  more 
eas ; I y  '  !•:  f  ( p  them  in  memory. 

7  VViicreupon  I  wrote  his  Commands 
ami  Si  in  litudes,  as  he  bade  me. 

8  Which  things  if  when  you  have 
heard,  ye  shall  observ^e  to  do  them  ;  and 
shall  walk  according  to  them,  and  exer- 
cise yourselves  in  them,  with  a  pure 
mind  ;  ye  shall  receive  from  the  Lord 
those  things  which  he  has  promised  unto 
you. 

9  But  if  having  heard  them  ye  shall 
not  repent,  but  shall  still  go  on  to  add  to 
your  sins  ;  ''  ye  shall  be  punished  by  him. 

10  All  these  things  that  Shepherd,  the 
angel  of  repentance,  commanded  me  to 
write. 

COMMAND  1. 

Of  believing  in  c  one  God. 

FIRST  of  '•  all  believe  that  there  is  one 
God   who   created    and   framed   all 
things  of  nothing  into  a  being, 

2  He  comprehends  all  things,  and  is 
only  immen.se,  not  to  be  comprehended 
by  any. 

3  Who  can  neither  be  defined  by  any 
words,  nor  conceived  by  the  mind. 

4  Therefore  believe  in  him,  and  fear 
him  ;  *  abstain  from  all  evil. 

5  Keep  these  things,  and  cast  all  'lust 
and  iniquity  far  from  thee  ;  and  put  on 
righteousness ;  and  thou  shalt  live  to 
God,  if  thou  shalt  keep  this  command- 
ment. 

a  Observe  them,  Custodire  possis.  Lat.  b  Adversa 
recipietis.  c  Faith.  d  Irenfens,  1.  I,c.  3.  Origen 
(ie  Princ.  1.  1,  c.  3.  Euseb.  Hist.  Eccles.  1.  .5,  c.  8. 
Aihanas.  de  Incarn.  Verb.  &c.  e  Habe  abstinen- 
tuini.  f  Omnem  coneupiscentiam  et  nequitiam.  MS 
Lamb,  ct  Oxon. 


Asc'iinsl.  detraction 


II.  HERMAS. 


and  lying 


COMMAND  II.  [ 

That  we  must  avoid  detraction  ;  niid  do  our  alms  I 
deeds  with  simplicity.  | 

HE  said  unto  me;  ^be  innoceiit  and 
without  disguise  ;  so  shalt  thou 
be  like  an  infant  who  knows  no  malice, 
which  destroys  the  life  of  man. 

2  Especially  see  that  thou  speak  evil 
of  none ;  nor  willingly  hear  any  one 
speak  evil  of  any. 

3  ''  For  if  thou  observest  not  this,  thou 
also  who  hearest,  shalt  be  '  partaker  of 
the  sin  of  him  that  speaketh  evU  by  be- 
lieving the  slander,  and  thou  also  shalt 
have  sin  ;  because  thou  believedst  him 
that  spake  evil  of  thy  brother. 

4  ''  Detraction  is  a  pernicious  thing  ;  an 
inconstant,  '  evil  spirit ;  that  never  con- 
tinues in  peace,  but  is  always  in  discord. 
">  Wherefore  refrain  thyself  from  it ;  and 
keep  peace  evermore  with  thy  brother. 

5  Put  on  a  holy  "  constancy,  °  in 
which  there  are  no  sins,  but  all  is  full  of 
joy  ;  and  do  good  of  thy  labours. 

6  P  Give  "i  without  distinction  to  all 
that  are  in  want ;  not  doubting  to  whom 
thou  givest. 

7  But  give  to  all ;  for  God  will  have 
us  give  to  all,  of  ''all  his  own  gifts. 
They  therefore  that  receive  shall  give  an 
account  to  God,  both  wherefore  thpy  re- 
ceived, and  for  what  end. 

8  And  they  that  receive  without  a  real 
need,  shall  give  an  accoimt  for  it ;  but  he 
that  gives  shall  be  innocent : 

9  For  he  has  fulfilled  his  duty  as  he 
received  it  from  God ;  not  making  any 
choice  to  whom  he  should  give,  and  to 
whom  not.  And  this  service  he  did  with 
simplicity,  and  »to  the  glory  of  God. 

10  Keep  therefore  this  command  ac- 
cording as  I  have  delivered  it  unto  thee  ; 
that  thy  repentance  may  be  found  to  be 
sincere,  and  that  good  may  come  to  thy 
house  ;  and  have  a  pure  heart. 

COMMAND  III 

Of  avoiding  lying,  and  the  repentance  of  Hermas 
for  his  dissiraulntion. 


g  Lat.     Have  simplicity  and  be  innocent.        hGr. 
'Et  <5£  /<i;,  Kit  fO  aK^biv  i'voxoi  car],  i  So  the 

Gr.  and  Lamb.  MS.  Particeps  eris  peccati  male  lo- 
quentis,  credens ;  et  tu  habeliis  peccatum.  k  Vid. 
Antioch.  Horn.  xxix.  1  Daemon.  m  The  Gr.  hatli 
Iv.  n  Rather  simplicity  ;  according  to  the  Gr.  read 
ing  preserved  by  Anathasius.  o  Gr.  in  which  there 
is  no  evil  oflence,  but  all  things  smooth  and  delight- 
ful ii'  oJs  iSiv  apdaKoiina  tarlv  novripdv,  dWu 
iravra  hjxaXa  Xj  tXapd.  p  Vid.   Antioch.   Horn, 

xcviii.  q  Simply,  r  Gr.  ex  -rav  liUiv  ioypr/iia  twi/. 
MS.  Lamb.  De  suis  donis,     s  Gloriously  to  God. 


MOREOVER  '  he  said  unto  me,  love 
truth  ;  and  let  all   the  speech  be 
true  which  proceeds  out  of  thy  mouth  : 

2  That  the  spirit  which  the  Lord  hath 
given  to  dwell  in  thy  flesh  may  be  found 
tiue  towards  all  men  ;  and  the  Lord  be 
giorilied  who  hath  given  such  a  spirit  un- 
to thee:  because  God  is  true  in  all  his 
words,  and  in  him  there  is  no  he. 

3  They  therefore  that  lie,  deny  the 
Lord ;  "  and  become  robbers  of  the  Lord  ; 
"■'  not  rendering  to  God  what  they  received 
from  him. 

4  For  they  received  the  spirit  free  from 
lying :  if  therefore  they  make  that  a  liar, 
they  detile  what  was  committed  to  them 
by  the  Lord,  and  become  deceivers. 

5  When  I  heard  this,  I  wept  bitterly. 
And  when  he  saw  me  weeping,  he  said 
unto  me ;  why  weepest  thou  ?  And  I 
said  ;  because,  sir,  I  doubt  whether  I  can 
be  saved .' 

6  He  asked  me.  Wherefore  ?  I  replied  ; 
Because  sir,  I  never  spake  a  true  word  in 
my  life  ;  but  always  lived  in  dissimula- 
tion, and  affirmed  a  lie  for  truth  to  all 
men ;  and  no  m:tn  contradicted  me,  but  all 
gave  credit  to  my  Avords.  How  then  can 
I  live,  seeing  I  have  done  in  this  manner  ? 

7  And  he  said  unto  me  ;  Thou  think- 
est  well  and  truly.  For  thou  oughtest, 
as  the  servant  of  God,  to  have  walked  in 
the  truth,  and  not  have  joined  an  evil  con- 
science with  the  spirit  of  truth  ;  nor  have 
grieved  the  holy  and  true  spirit  of  God. 

8  And  I  replied  unto  him  ;  Sir,  I  never 
before  hearkened  so  diligently  to  these 
things.  He  answered  ;  Now  thou  hear- 
est them:  Take  care  from  henceforth, 
that  even  those  things  which  thou  hast 
formeidy  spoken  falsely  for  the  .sake  of 
thy  business,  may,  "'  by  thy  present  truth, 
receive  credit. 

9  For  even  tho.se  things  may  be  cred- 
ited, if  for  the  time  to  come  thou  shalt 
speak  the  truth  ;  and  "  by  so  doing  thou 
mayest  attain  unto  life. 

10  And  whosoever  shall  hearken  unto 
this  command  and  do  it ;  and  shall  de- 
part from  all  lying,  he  shall  live  unto 
God. 

COMMAND  IV. 

Of  putting  away  one's  wife  .'or  adultery, 

FURTHERMORE,   said  he,   I  com- 
mand thee,  that  thou   keep  >  thyself 

t  Antioch.  Horn.  Ixvi.  "  According  to  the  Gr. 

V  See  JII.  Hermas,  Similitude  ix..  ver.  268  et  seq. 
w  Through  these  words.  Lat.  His  verbis  et  ilia 
tidem  recipiant.  x  If  thou  shalt  keep  the  truths 
y  Chastity. 

139 


Of  putting  away 


II.  HERMAS.  a  wifefm-  adultary. 


chaste ;  and  that  thou  suffer  not  any 
thought  ^  of  any  other  marriage,  or  of 
fornication,  to  enter  into  thy  heart :  for 
such  a  thought  produces  a  great  sin. 

2  But  be  thou  at  all  times  mindful  of 
the  Lord,  and  thou  shalt  never  sin.  For 
if  such  an  evil  thought  should  arise  in 
thy  heart,  thou  shouldest  be  guilty  of  a 
great  sin ;  and  they  who  do  such  things, 
follow  the  way  of  death. 

3  Look  therefore  to  thyself,  and  keep 
thyself  from  such  a  thought :  for  where 
cha.stity  remains  in  the  heart  of  a  right- 
eous man,  there  an  evil  thought  ought 
never  to  arise. 

4  And  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  suffer  me 
to  speak  a  little  to  you.  He  bade  me  say 
on.  And  I  answered,  Sir,  if  a  man  that 
is  faithful  in  the  Lord,  shall  have  a  wife, 
and  shall  catch  her  in  adultery  ;  doth  a 
man  sin  that  continues  to  live  still  with 
her .' 

5  And  he  said  unto  me;  As  long  as  he 
is  ignorant  of  her  sin,  he  commits  no  fault 
in  living  with  her  :  but  if  a  man  shall 
know  his  wife  to  have  offended,  and  she 
shall  not  repent  of  her  sin,  but  go  on  still 
in  her  fornication,  and  a  man  shall  con- 
tinue nevertheless  to  live  with  her,  he 
shall  become  guilty  of  her  sin,  and  par- 
take with  her  in  her  adultery. 

5  And  I  said  unto  him ;  VVhat  there- 
fore is  to  be  done,  if  the  woman  continues 
on  in  her  sin  .'  He  answered ;  Let  her 
husband  put  her  away,  and  let  him  con- 
tinue by  himself.  But  if  he  .shall  put 
away  his  wife,  and  marry  another,  he 
also  doth  commit  adultery. 

7  And  I  said  ;  What  if  the  woman 
that  is  so  put  away,  shall  repent,  and  be 
willing  to  return  to  her  husband,  shall 
she  not  be  received  by  him  .'  He  said 
unto  me.  Yes ;  and  if  her  husband  shall 
not  receive  her,  he  will  sin,  and  commit 
a  great  offence  again.st  himself :  but  he 
ought  to  receive  the  offender,  if  she  re- 
pents ;  only  not  often. 

8  For  to  the  servants  of  God  there  is 
hut  one  repentance.  And  for  this  cause 
a  man  that  putteth  away  his  wife  ought 
not  to  take  another,  because  she  may  re- 
pent. 

9  This  act  is  alike  both  in  the  man  and 
in  the  woman.  Now  they  commit  adul- 
tery, not  only  who  pollute  their  flesh,  but 
who  also  make  an  image.  -^  If  therefore 
a  woman  perseveres  in  any  thing  of  this 


z  Another  man's. 

140 


■  See  1  Cor.  vii, 


kind,  and  repents  not,  depart  from  her, 
and  live  not  with  her :  otherwise  thou 
shalt  also  be  a  partaker  of  her  sin. 

10  But  it  is  therefore  commanded  that 
both  the  man  and  the  woman  should  re- 
main unman  ied,  because  such  persons 
may  repent. 

1 1  Nor  do  I  in  this  administer  any  oc- 
casion for  the  doing  of  these  things;  but 
rather  that  whoso  has  offended,  should 
not  offend  any  more. 

12  But  for  their  former  sins,  God  who 
has  the  power  of  healing  will  give  a  rem- 
edy :  for  he  has  the  power  of  all  things. 

13  TT I  asked  him  again,  and  said  ;  See- 
ing the  Lord  hath  thought  me  worthy 
thai  thou  shouldest  dwell  with  me  con- 
tinually;  speak  a  few  words  unto  me, 
because  I  understand  nothing,  and  my 
heart  is  hardened  through  my  former  con- 
versation ;  and  open  my  ^  understanding 
because  I  am  very  dull,  and  apprehend 
nothing  at  all. 

14  And  he  answering  said  unto  me; 
I  am  the  "  minister  of  repentance,  and  give 
'^  understanding  to  all  that  repent.  Does 
it  not  seem  to  thee  to  be  *  a  very  wise 
thing  to  repent .'  Becau.se  he  that  does 
so,  gets  great  understanding. 

15  For  he  is  .sensible  that  he  hath  sin- 
ned and  done  wickedly  in  the  .sight  of 
the  Lord  ;  and  he  remembers  '  within  him- 
self that  he  has  offended,  and  repents  and 
does  no  more  wickedly ;  but  does  that 
which  is  good,  and  humbles  his  soul,  and 
afflicts  it,  because  he  has  offended.  You 
see  therefore  that  repentance  is  great  wis- 
dom. 

1 6  And  I  said  unto  him  ;  For  this 
cause,  sir,  I  inquire  diligently  into  all 
things,  because  I  am  a  sinner,  that  I  may 
know  what  I  must  do  that  I  may  live  ; 
because  my  sins  are  many. 

17  And  he  said  unto  me.  Thou  shalt 
live  if  thou  shalt  keep  these  my  com- 
mandments. And  who.soever  shall  hear 
and  do  these  commands,  shall  live  unto 
God. 

1 8  IT  And  I  said  unto  him  ;  I  have 
even  now  heard  from  certain  teachers  that 
there  is  no  other  repentance  beside  that  of  • 
baptism  ;  when  we  go  down  into  the  wa- 
ter, and  receive  the  forgiveness  of  our 
sins  ;  and  that  after  that,  we  must  sin  no 
more,  but  live  in  e  purity. 

19  And   he   said  unto  me,  Thou  hast 


b  Sense.  <=  Praepositus.  d  See  below,  ver.  18  et 
seq.  •  Great  wisdom.  f  .Tn  bis  understanding, 
S  Chastity. 


Continued. 


II.  HERMAS. 


Of  sadness  of  heart. 


•■been  rightly  informed.  Nevertheless 
seeing  now  thou  inquiiest  diligently  into 
all  things,  I  will  manifest  this  also  unto 
thee  ;  yet  not  so  as  to  give  any  occasion 
of  sinning  either  to  those  who  shall 
hereafter  believe,  or  to  those  who  have 
already  believed  in  the  Lord. 

20  For  neither  they  who  have  '  newly 
believed,  or  who  shall  hereafter  beheve, 
have  any  repentance  of  sins,  but  forgive- 
ness of  them. 

21  But  as  to  tho.se  who  have  been 
called  to  the  faith,  and  since  that  are  fall- 
en into  any  gross  sin,  the  Lord  hath  ap- 
pointed repentance:  Because  God  know- 
eth  the  thoughts  of  all  men's  hearts,  and 
their  infirmities;  and  the  manifold  wick- 
edness of  the  devil  :  who  is  always  con- 
triving something  against  the  servants  of 
God ;  and  maliciously  lays  snares  for 
them. 

22  Therefore  our  merciftil  Lord  had 
cornpa3.sion  towards  his  creatureia^d  ap- 
pointed that  repentance,  and  gaw^unto 
me  the  power  of  it.  And  therefore  I  say 
unto  thee  ;  If  an}-  one  after  that  great  and 
holy  calling  shall  be  tempted  by  the  devil 
and  sin,  he  has  one  i^  repentance.  But  if 
he  shall  often  sin  and  repent,  it  shall  not 
profit  such  a  one,  for  he  shall  hardly  live 
unto  God. 

23  And  I  said,  Sir,  I  am  restored  again 
to  Hfe  since  I  have  thus  diligently  heark- 
ened to  these  commands.     For  I  perceive 
that  if  I  shall  not  hereafter  add  any  morelj, 
to  my  sins,  I  shall  be  saved. 

24  And  he  said.  Thou  shalt  be  saved; 
and  so  shall  all  others,  as  many  as  shall 
observe  these  commandments. 

25  IT  And  again  I  said  unto  him;  Sir, 
seeing  thou  hearest  me  patiently,  shew 
me  yet  one  thing  more.  Tell  me,  saith 
he.  what  it  is. 

26  And  I  said  ;  If  a  husband  or  wife 
die,  and  the  party  which  survives  marry 
again,  does  he  sin  in  so  doing  •■'  '  He  that 
marries  (says  he)  sins  not :  howbeit  if  he 
shall  remain  single,  he  shall  thereby  gain 
to  himself  great  "honour  before  the  Lord. 

27  Keep  therefore  thy  chastity  and 
modesty,  and  thou  shalt  live  unto  God. 
Observe  from  henceforth  those  things 
which  I  speak  with  thee  and  command 
thee  to  observe ;  from  the   time  "•  that  I 

b  Rightly  heard.  '  MS.  Lamb.  Q.ui  modo  cre- 
didenint.  Who  have  just  now  believed.  ^  Vid.  An- 
not.  Coteler.  in  loc.  pp.  00,  6J.  1  Vid.  Not.  Coteler. 
in  loc.  p.  64,  B.  C  Rora.  vii.  3.  Comp.  1  Cor.  vii. 
m  iVIrf.  Lamb.  Melius:  Ex  quo  mihi  traditus,  That 
thou  hast  been  delivered  unto  rae,  and  I  dwell,  &c. 


have  been  dehvered  unto  thee,  and  dwell 
in  thy  house. 

28  So  shall  thy  former  sins  be  forgiv- 
en, if  thou  shalt  keep  these  my  com- 
mandments. And  in  like  manner  shall 
all  others  be  forgiven  who  shall  observe 
these  my  commandments. 

COMMAND  V. 

Of  the  sadness  of  the  heart,  and  of  patience. 

BE  patient,  says  he,  and  "  long-suffer- 
ing; so  shalt  thou  have  dominion 
over  all  wicked  works  and  shalt  °  fulfil 
all  righteousness. 

2  For  if  thou  shalt  be  patient,  the  Ho- 
ly Spirit  which  dwelleth  in  thee  shall  be 
pure,  and  not  be  darkened  by  any  evil 
spirit;  but  being  full  of  joy  shall  be  en- 
larged, and  feast  p  in  the  body  in  which 
it  dwells,  and  i  serve  the  Lord  with  joy, 
and  in  great  peace. 

3  But  if  any  ■'anger  shall  overtake 
thee,  presently  the  Holy  Spirit  which  is 
in  thee,  will  be  straightened,  and  seek  to 
depart  from  thee. 

4  For  he  is  choked  by  the  evil  spirit  ; 
and'  has  na^  the  'libc^y  of  'serving  the 
Lord  as  he  wmid ;  fokhe  is  grieved  by 
"  anger.  ^  When  therefore  both  these  spi- 
rits dwell  together,  it  is  destructive  to  a 
man. 

5  As  if  one  should  take  a  little  worm- 
wood, and  put  it  into  a  vessel  of  honey, 
the  whole  honey  would  be  spoiled;  and 
a  great  quantity  of  honey  is  corrupted  by 
a  very  I'ttle  wormwood,  and  loses  the 
sweetness  of  honey,  and  is  no  longer  ac- 
ceptable to  its  Lord,  beca-use  the  whole 
honey  is  made  bitter,  and  loses  its  use. 

6  But  if  no  wormwood  be  put  into  the 
honey,  it  is  sweet  and  profitable  to  its 
Lord.  Thus  is  forbearance  sweeter  than 
honey,  and  profitable  to  tiie  Lord,  v>^ho 
dwelleth  in  it. 

7  But  anger  is  unprofitable.  If  there- 
fore anger  shall  be  mixed  with  forbear- 
ance, the  soul  is  distressed,  and  its  pray- 
er is  not  profitable  '"  with  God. 

8  And  I  said  unto  him,  Sir,  I  Vv-ould 
know  the  sinfulness  of  anger,  that  I  may 

nGr.  MaKpodvfios.  JiS.  Lamb.  Animajquas. 
o  Work,  p  MS.  Lamb,  melins,  Cum,  vase.  Et  Gr. 
Hcru  Tov  OKcins,  with  the  body,  or  vessel.  q  Gr. 
AfiTrypyEi  rcj  Krjpicj.  r  'O^vxoMa.  Gr.  Bitter- 
ness of  gflll.  s  Place.  t  Qr.  AcfrvpXijcai. 
u  'O^uxo^ia.  V  Both  Athanasius  and  Antiochus 
add  here  these  words,  omitted  in  our  copies  "  For 
in  forbearance  (or  long  suffering)  the  Lord  dwell 
eth,  but  in  bitterness  the  devil,"    w  To. 

141 


Lvery  man  has 


II.  HERMAS. 


two  angels. 


keep  myself  from  it.  And  he  said  unto 
me,  Thou  shalt  know  it;  and  if  thou 
pfaalt  not  keep  thyself  from  it,  thou  shalt 
lose  thy  hope  with  all  thy  house. 
Wherefore  depart  from  it. 

9  For  I  the  "  messenger  of  iigliteous- 
ness  am  with  thee ;  and  all  that  depart 
from  it,  and  as  many  as  shall  repent  with 
all  their  hearts  shall  live  unto  God  ;  and 
I  will  be  with  them,  and  will  keep  them 
all. 

10  For  all  such  as  have  repented,  have 
been  justified,  by  the  most  holy  messen- 
ger who  is  a  minister  of  salvation. 

11  IT  And  now,  says  he,  hear  the 
wickedness  of  anger  ;  how  evil  and  hurt- 
ful it  is,  and  how  it  overthrows  the  ser- 
vants of  God  :  for  it  cannot  "  hurt  those 
that  are  full  of  faith,  because  the  ^  power 
of  God  is  with  them  ;  but  it  overthrows 
the  doubtful,  and  those  that  are  destitute 
of  faith. 

12  For  as  often  as  it  sees  »  such  men, 
it  casts  itself  into  their  hearts  ;  and  so  a 
man  or  woman  is  in  bitterness  for  no- 
thing :  for  the  things  of  life :  or  for  sus- 
tenance ;  or  for  a  vain  word,  if  any  should 
chance  to  fall  in^  or  b\;^Q|son  of  any 
friend ;  or  for  Ef^ebt ;  or  for  any  other 
superfluous  things  of  the  like  nature. 

l.S  For  these  things  are  foolish  and  su- 
perfluous, and  vain  to  the  servants  ^f 
God.  But  equanimity  is  strong,  and  for- 
cible ;  and  of  great  power,  and  sitteth  in 
great  enlargement;  is  cheerful,  rejoicing, 
in  peace  ;  and  glorifying  God  at  all  times 
''with  meekness. 

14  And  this  long  suffering  dwells  with 
those  that  are  full  of  faitli.  But  anger  is 
foolish,  and  light,  and  empty.  Now  bit- 
terness iS  bred  through  folly  ;  by  bitter- 
ness, anger ;  by  anger,  fury.  And  this 
fury  arising  from  so  many  evil  principles, 
worketh  a  great  and  imcurable  sin. 

1 5  For  when  all  these  things  are  in  the 
same  ''man  in  which  the  holy  spirit 
dwells;  the  vessel  cannot  contain  them, 
but  runs  over:  and  because  the  Spirit  be- 
ing tender  cannot  tarry  with  the  evil  one; 
it  departs,  and  dwells  with  him  that  is 
meek. 

Ifi  When  therefore  it  is  departed  from 
the  man  in  whom  it  dwelt ;  that  man  be- 


comes destitute  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  is 
afterwards  filled  with  wicked  spirits, 
<*  and  is  blinded  with  evil  thoughts.  Thus 
doth  it  happen  to  all  angry  men. 

17  Wherefore  depart  thou  from  anger, 
and  put  on  equanimity  and  resist  wrath; 
so  shalt  thou  be  ^  found  with  modesty 
and  chastity  by  God.  Take  good  heed 
therefore  that  thou  neglect  noi  this  com- 
mandment. 

18  For  if  thou  shalt  obey  this  com- 
mand, then  shalt  thou  also  be  able  to  ob- 
serve the  other  commandments  which  I 
shall  command  thee. 

19  Wherefore  strengthen  thyself  now 
in  these  commands,  that  thou  mayest 
live  unto  God.  And  whosoever  shall 
observe  the.se  commandments  shall  live 
unto  God. 

COMMAND  VI. 

Tliat  every  man  has  two     angels,  and  of  the  sug- 
gestions of  both. 


4d^ 


MMANDED  thee,  said  he,  in 
JL  my  first  commandment,  that  thou 
shouldest  keep  faith,  and  fear,  and  s  re- 
pentance.    Yes,  sir,  said  I. 

2  He  continued  ;  But  now  I  will  show 
thee  the  virtues  of  these  commands,  that 
thou  mayest  know  their  effects ;  how 
they  are  ''prescribed  alike  to  the  just 
and  unjust. 

3  Do  )'ou  therefore  believe  the  right- 
eous, but  give  no  credit  to   the  unright- 

reous.  For  righteousness  keepelh  the 
right  way,  but  luirighteousness  the  wick- 
ed way. 

4  Do  thou  therefore  keep  the  right 
way,  and  leave  that  which  is  evil.  For 
the  evil  way  has  not  a  good  end,  but 
hath  many  stumbling-blocks  ;  it  is  rug- 
ged and  full  of  thorns,  and  leads  to  de- 
struction; and  is  hurtful  to  all  such  as 
walk  in  it. 

5  But  they  who  go  in  the  right  way, 
walk  with  evenness,  and  without  offence, 
because  it  is  not  rough  nor  thorny. 

6  Thou  seest  therefore,  how  it  is  best 
to  walk  in  this  way.  Thou  shalt  there- 
fore go  says  he,  and  all  others,  as  many 


X  Angel.  y  Gr.  Work  upon,  ivepynaai  ;  et  MS. 
Lamb.  Facere.  zVirtue.  ^Gr.  Toi«Tm  dt'dpuKui. 
b  In  the  Greek  of  Athannsius  and  Antiochus  the 
sense  is  fuller :  Having  nothing  of  bitterness  in  it- 
self, and  continuing  always  in  meekness  and  quiet- 
ness,   c  Vessel. 

142 


d  In  the  Greek  of  Athanasius  follow  these  words, 
omitted  in  the  Lat.  Vers,  of  Hermas  :  "  And  is  un- 
stable in  all  his  doings,  being  drawn  hither  and 
thither  by  wicked  men."  e  In  the  Greek  of  tha- 
nasius  it  runs  better  thus  :  "  Applauded  with  rever- 
ence by  those  who  are  beloved  of  God.  f  Vid.  Co- 
teler.  Annot.  in  loc.  pp  bT,  68.  Conip.  Edit.  Oxon. 
p.  61,  Note  a.  S  Lat.  Pmnitentiam  :  it  should  rather 
be  Abstinentiam  ;  as  in  the  Greek  of  Athanasius:  as 
appears  by  the  first  Commandment,  which  is  here 
referred  to.     h  Placed  Lat.  Posita  sunt. 


Familiar  an-j-els. 


II.  HERMAS. 


Fear  God. 


as  believe  in  God  with  all  their  heart, 
shall  go  through  it. 

7  IT  And  now,  says  he,  '  understand 
first  of  all  what  belongs  to  faith.  There 
are  two  angels  with  man,  one  of  right- 
eousness the  other  of  iniquity. 

8  And  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  how  shall 
I  know  that  there  are  two  such  angels 
with  man .'  Hear,  says  he,  and  under- 
stand. 

9  The  angel  of  righteousness  is  mild, 
and  modest,  and  gentle,  and  quiet.  When 
therefore  he  gets  into  thy  heart,  immedi- 
ately he  talks  with  thee  of  righteousness, 
of  modesty,  of  chastity,  of  bountifulness, 
of  forgiveness,  of  charity  and  piety. 

10  When  all  these  things  come  into 
thy  heart,  know  then  that  the  angel  of 
righteousness  is  with  thee.  Wherefore 
hearken  to  this  angel  and  to  his  works. 

1 1  Learn  also  the  works  of  the  angel 
of  iniquity.  He  is  first  of  ail  bitter,  and 
angry,  and  foolish  ;  and  his  works  are 
pernicious,  and  overthrow  the  servants 
of  God.  When  therefore  these  things 
com,e  into  thy  heart ;  thou  shalt  know  by 
his  works,  that  this  is  the  angel  of  iniquity. 

12  And  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  how 
shall  I  understand  the.se  things .'  Hear, 
says  he,  and  understand.  When  anger 
overtakes  thee,  or  bitterness,  know  that 
he  is  in  thee  : 

13  As  also,  when  the  desire  of  many 
^  things,  and  of  the  best  meats,  and  of 
drunkenness;  when  the  love  of  what  be- 
longs to  others,  pride,  and  much  speak- 
ing, and  ambition,  and  the  like  things, 
come  upon  thee.    . 

1 4  When  therefore  these  things  arise 
in  thy  heart,  know  that  the  angel  of  in- 
iquity is  with  thee.  Seeing  therefore 
thou  knowest  his  works,  depart  from 
them  all,  and  give  no  credit  to  him  :  be- 
cause his  works  are  evil,  and  become  not 
the  servants  of  God. 

15  Here  therefore  thou  hast  the  works 
of  both  these  angels.  Understand  now 
and  believe  the  angel  of  righteousness, 
because  his  instruction  is  good. 

16  For  let  a  man  be  never  so  happy  ; 
yet  if  the  thouglUs  of  the  other  angel 
arise  in  his  heart,  that  man  or  woman 
must  needs  sin. 

17  But  let  man  or  woman  be  never 
so  wicked,  if  the  works  of  the  angel  of 


i  Vid.  Antioch.  Horn.  Ixi.     Comp.  Orig.  I.  iii.     De 
Princip.   et   in   hur.  Horn.  xxxv.        k  Works.     Gr. 


righteousness  come  into  his  heart,  that 
man  or  woman  must  needs  do  some 
good. 

18  Thou  seest  therefore  how  it  is 
good  to  follow  the  angel  of  righteousness. 
If  therefore  thou  shalt  follow  him,  and 
•submit  to  his  Avorks,  thou  shalt  live 
unto  God.  And  as  many  as  shall  "•  sub- 
mit to  his  works,  shall  live  also  unto 
God. 

COMMAND  VII. 

That  we  must  fear  God,  but  not  the  Devil. 

FEAR  '"  God,  says  he,  and  keep  his 
commandments.  For  if  thou  keep- 
est  his  commandments  thou  shalt  be 
powerful  in  every  work,  and  all  thy 
work  shall  be  "  excellent.  For  by  fear- 
ing God,  thou  shalt  do  everything  well. 

2  This  is  that  fear  with  which  thou 
must  be  affected  that  thou  mayest  be 
saved.  But  fear  not  the  Devil :  for  if 
thou  fearest  the  Lord,  thou  shalt  have 
dominion  over  him  ;  because  there  is  no 
power  in  him. 

3  Now  if  there  be  no  power  in  him, 
then  neither  is  he  to  be  feared.  But  he 
in  whom  there  is  excellent  power,  he  is 
to  be  feared :  for  every  one  that  has 
power  is  to  be  feared.  ]3ut  he  that  has 
no  power  is  despised  by  every  one. 

4  Fear  the  works  of  the  Devil,  because 
they  are  evil.  For  by  fearing  the  Lord, 
thou  wilt  fear  and  not  do  the  works  of 
the  Devil,  but  keep  thyself  from  them. 

5  There  is  therefore  a  two-fold  fear ; 
°  if  thou  wilt  not  do  evil,  fear  the  Lord 
and  thou  shalt  not  do  it.  But  if  thou 
wilt  do  good,  1'  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is 
strong  and  great  and  glorious. 

6  Wherefore,  fear  God,  and  thou  shalt 
live  :  and  whosoever  shall  fear  him,  and 
keep  his  commandments,  their  life  is 
with  the  Lord.  But  they  who  keep  them 
not,  neither  is  life  in  them. 

COMMAND  VIII. 

That  we  must  flee  from  evil,  and  do  good. 

I  HAVE  told  thee,  said  he,  that  there 
are  two   kinds  of  creatures   of  the 
Lord,  and  that  there  is  a  two-fold i absti- 

1  Gr.  TTio-Tsuo-i/f ,  Lat.  Credideris,  Believe.  mVid. 
Antioch.  Horn,  cxxvii.  13.  "  'A.avyKpCTTOi,  With- 
out comparison  :  or  without  mixture.  oGr.  Ant'- 
ocli.  p  In  the  Gr.  of  Antiochus  these  words  follow, 
which  make  the  connection  more  clear  :  "  Fear  also 
the  Lord,  and  thou  shalt  be  able  to  do  it,  for." 
q  Antioch,  Horn,  l.-jxix. 

143 


Fkefrom  evil. 


nence.      From   some    things    therefore 
thou  must  abstain,  and  from  others  not. 

2  I  answered,  Declare  tome,  sir,  from 
what  I  must  abstain,  and  from  what 
not.  Hearken,  said  he.  Keep  thyself 
from  evil,  and  do  it  not ;  but  abstain  not 
from  good,  but  do  it.  For  if  thou  shaU 
abstain  from  what  is  good,  and  do  not 
do  it,  thou  shalt  sin.  Abstain,  there- 
fore from  all  evil,  and  thou  shalt  "^know 
all  righteousness. 

3  I  said,  What  evil  things  are  they 
from  which  I  must  abstain  .'  Hearken, 
said  he  ;  from  adultery  ;  from  drunken- 
ness ;  from  riots  ;  from  excess  of  eating  ; 
from  daintiness  and  dishonesty ;  from 
pride  ;  from  fraud  ;  from  lying  ;  from 
detraction ;  from  hypocrisy ;  from  re- 
membrance of  injuries  ;  and  from  all  evil 
speaking. 

4  For  these  are  the  works  of  iniqui- 
ty ;  from  which  the  servant  of  God  must 
abstain.  For  he  that  cannot  keep  himself 
from  these  things,  cannot  live  unto  God, 

5  But  hear,  said  he,  what  follows  of 
these  kind  of  things  :  for  indeed  many 
more  there  are  from  which  the  servant 
of  God  must  abstain.  From  theft,  and 
cheating;  from  false-witness;  from  cov- 
etousness ;  from  boasting  ;  and  all  other 
things  of  the  like  nature. 

6  Do  these  things  seem  to  thee  to  be 
evil  or  not  .'  Indeed  they  are  very  evil 
to  the  servants  of  God.  Wherefore  the 
servant  of  God  must  abstain  from  all 
these '  works. 

7  Keep  thyself  therefore  from  them, 
that  thou  mayest  live  unto  God,  and  be 
written  among  those  that  abstain  from 
them.  And  thus  have  I  shewn  thee 
what  things  thou  must  avoid  :  now  learn 
from  what  thou  must  not  abstain. 

8  Abstain  not  from  any  good  works, 
but  do  them.  Hear,  said  he,  what  the 
virtue  of  those  good  works  is  which 
thou  must  do,  that  thou  mayest  be  saved. 
The  first  of  all  is  faith  ;  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  ;  charity  ;  concord  ;  equity  ;  truth  ; 
patience;  chastity. 

9  There  is  nothing  better  than  these 
things  in  the  life  of  man;  'who  shall 
keep  and  do  these  things  in  their  life. 
Hear  ne.Kt  what  follow  these. 


r  Do,  accoriling  to  the  Greek,  s.pya^6ytvoi.  sVid. 
Coteler.  in  !oc.  '  The  sense  here  is  liefective,  and 
may  be  thus  restored  from  the  Greeic  of  Athanasius  : 
Whosoever  lieeps  these  things,  and  doth  not  abstain 
from  them,  shall  be  happy  in  his  life.  And  so  the 
Lamb.  MS.  Hcecquicostodierit.  uGr.  dyaQoTzol^ais, 
good  (teed.    '  Evvri^psrv, 

144 


]I.  HERMAS.  and  do  good. 

10  To  minister  to  the  widows  ;  not  to 
despise  the  fatherless  and  poor ;  to  re- 
deem the  servants  of  God  from  necessi- 
ty ;  to  be  hospitable  ;  (for  in  hospitality 
there  is  sometimes  "  great  fruit)  not  to 
be  contentious,  but  be  quiet ; 

11  To  be  humble  above  all  men;  to 
reverence  the  aged ;  to  labour  to  be 
righteous ;  "  to  respect  the  brotherhood  ; 
to  bear  affronts;  to  be  long-suffering; 
"  not  to  cast  away  those  that  have  fallen 
from  the  faith  ;  but  to  convert  them,  and 
make  them  be  of  "  good  cheer  ;  to  admon- 
ish sinners ;  not  to  oppress  those  that  are 
our  debtors ;  and  ail  other  things  of  a 
like  kind. 

12  Do  these  things  seem  to  thee  to  be 
good  or  not .'  And  I  said.  What  can  be 
better  than  these  words  .'  Live  then,  said 
he,  in  these  commandments,  and  do  not 
depart  from  them.  For  if  thou  shalt 
keep  all  these  commandments,  Ihou  shalt 
live  unto  God.  And  all  they  that  shall 
keep  these  commandments  shall  live  unto 
God. 

COMMAND  IX 

That   we  must  ask  of  God  daily ;    and   without 
doubting. 

AGAIN  he  said  unto  me,  >  remove 
from  thee  all  doubting;  and  ques- 
tion nothing  at  all,  when  thou  askest 
anything  of  the  Lord  ;  saying  wathin  thy- 
self, how  shall  I  be  able  to  ask  any- 
thing of  the  Lord,  and  receive  it,  seeing 
that  I  have  so  greatly  sinned  against 
him  ? 

2  Do  not  think  thus,  but  turn  unto  the 
Lord  with  all  thy  heart,  and  ask  of  him 
without  doubting,  and  thou  shalt  know 
the  mercy  of  the  Lord  ;  how  that  he  will 
not  forsake  thee,  but  will  fulfil  the  re- 
quest of  thy  soul. 

3  For  God  is  not  as  men,  mindful  of 
the  injuries  he  has  received  ;  but  he  for- 
gets injuries,  and  has  compassion  upon 
his  creature. 

4  Wherefore  purify  thy  heart  from  all 
the  vices  of  this  present  world ;  and  ob- 
serve the  commands  I  have  before  deliv- 
ered unto  thee  from  God  ;  and  thou  shalt 
receive  whatsoever  good  things  thou  shalt 
ask,  and  nothing  shall  be  wanting  unto 
thee  of  all  thy  petitions;  if  thou  shalt 
ask  of  the  Lord  without  doubtine- 


w  Add  from  the  Gr.  of  Athanasius  and  Antiochus  ' 
IVot  to  remember  injuries  ;  To  comfort  those  who  la- 
bour in  their  minds,  x  'Evflij/xiif.  y  Vid.  Antioch: 
Horn.  Ixxxiii.  Confer.  Fragni.  D.  Grabe,  Spicileg. 
page  303 


Of  sadness  of  II.  HERMAS. 

5  ^  But  they  that  are  not  such,  shall 
obtain  none  of  those  things  which  they 
ask.  For  they  that  are  full  of  faith,  ask 
all  things  with  confidence,  and  receive 
from  the  Lord,  because  they  ask  without 
doubting.  But  he  that  doubts,  shall 
hardly  live  unto  God,  except  he  repent. 

6  Wherefore  purify  thy  heart  from 
doubting,  and  put  on  faith ;  and  trust  in 
God  ;  and  thou  shalt  receive  all  that  thou 
shall  ask.  But,  and  if  thou  shouldst 
chance  to  ask  somewhat,  and  not  ("  imme- 
diately) receive  it,  yet  do  not  therefore 
doubt,  because  thou  hast  not  presently 
received  the  petition  of  thy  soul. 

7  For  it  may  be  thou  shalt  not  pres- 
ently receive  it  for  thy  trial,  or  else  for 
some  sin  which  thou  knowest  not.  But 
do  not  thou  leave  off'  to  ask,  ^  and  then 
thou  shalt  receive.  Else  if  thou  shalt 
cease  to  ask,  thou  must  complain  of  thy- 
self, and  not  of  God,  that  he  has  not 
given  unto  thee  what  thou  didst  desire. 

8  Consider  therefore  this  doubting  how 
cruel  and  pernicious  it  is  ;  and  how  it 
utterly  roots  out  many  from  the  faith, 
who  were  very  faithful  and  firm.  For 
this  doubting  is  the  daughter  of  the  Dev- 
il ;  and  deals  very  wickedly  with  the 
servants  of  God, 

9  Despise  it  therefore,  and  thou  shalt 
rule  over  it  ''■  on  every  occasion.  Put  on 
a  firm  and  powerful  faith :  for  faith 
promises  all  things,  and  perfects  all 
things.  But  doubting  will  not  believe, 
that  it  shall  obtain  anything,  by  all 
that  it  can  do. 

10  Thou  seest  therefore,  says  he,  how 
faith  corneth  from  above,  from  God  ;  and 
has  great  power.  But  doubting  is  an 
earthly  spirit,  and  proceedeth  from  the 
Devil  and  has  no  strength. 

1 1  Do  thou  therefore  keep  the  virtue 
of  faith,  and  depart  from  doubting,  in 
which  is  no  virtue,  and  thou  shalt  live 
unto  God.  And  all  shall  live  unto  God, 
as  many  as  shall  do  these  things. 

COMMAND  X. 

Of  the  sadness  of  the  lieart ;  and  that  we  must  take 
heed  not  to  grieve  the  spirit  of  God  that  is  in  us. 


ihe  heafl. 


»  Add  from  the  Gr.  both  of  Athanasius  and  An- 
tiochus  :  But  if  thou  doubtest  in  thy  heiirt,  thou 
shnlt  receive  none  of  thy  petitions.  Fur  tliose  who 
distrust  (or,  donbtof)  Goil,  are  like  the  double-mind- 
ed, who  shall  obtain  none  of  these  things,  a  So  MS, 
Lamb.  Tardius  accipias  :  and  so  the  Gr.  Ppa&vTspnv 
XaiiSavets.  b  Asking  the  petition  of  thy  soul,  cjn 
every  thing. 


PUT  all  sadness  far  from  thee  ;  for  it 
is  the  sister  of  doubting  and  of  an- 
ger. How,  sir,  said  I,  is  it  the  sister  of 
these .'  For  sadness  and  anger,  and 
doubting,  seem  to  me  to  be  very  different 
from  one  another. 

2  And  he  answered,  ''  Art  thou  with- 
out sense  that  thou  dost  not  understand 
it .'  for  sadness  is  the  most  mischievous 
of  all  spirits,  and  the  woist  to  the  ser- 
vants of  God  :  '  It  destroys  the  spiiits  of 
all  men,  and  torments  the  Holy  Spirit ; 
and  again  it  saves. 

3  Sir,  said  I,  I  am  very  foolish,  and 
understand  not  these  '  things.  1  cannot 
apprehend  how  it  can  torment  and  yet 
save  .'  Hear,  said  he,  and  understand. 
They  who  never  sought  out  the  truth, 
nor  inquired  concerning  the  majesty  of 
God,  but  only  believed,  are  involved  in 
the  affairs  of  the  heathen. 

4  And  there  is  another  s  lying  prophet, 
that  destroys  the  ''  minds  of  the  .servants 
of  God ;  th.at  is  of  those  that  are  doubt- 
ful, not  of  those  that  fully  trust  in  the 
Lord.  Now  those  doubtful  persons  come 
to  him,  as  to  a  divine  spirit,  and  inquire 
of  him,  what  shall  befall  them. 

5  And  this  lying  pro])het,  having  no 
power  in  him  of  the  divine  spirit,  an- 
swers them  according  to  their  demands  ; 
and  fills  their  souls  with  promises  ac- 
cording as  they  desire.  Howbeit  that 
prophet  is  vain,  and  answers  vain  things 
to  those  who  are  themselves  vain. 

6  And  whatsoever  is  asked  of  him  by 
vain  men,  he  answers  them  vainlj-. 
Nevertheless  he  speaketh  some  things 
truly.  For  the  Devil  fills  him  with  his 
spirit,  that  he  may  overthrow  some  of 
the  righteous. 

7  IT  Whosoever  therefore  are  strong 
in  the  faith  of  the  Lord,  and  have  put  on 
the  truth  ;  they  are  not  joined  to  such 
spirits,  but  depart  from  them.  But  they 
that  are  doubtful,  and  often  repenting; 
like  the  heathens,  consult  them,  and  heap 
up  to  themselves  great  sin,  serving  idols. 

8  As  many  therefore  as  are  such,  in- 
quire of  them  upon  every  occasion  ;  wor- 
ship idols  ;  and  are  foolish,  and  void  of 
the  truth. 

9  For  every  spirit  that  is  given  from 
God  needs  not  to  be  asked ;  but  having 

d  Without  sense  thou  dost  not  understand  it.  ego 
the  Lttt.  Vers.  But  the  Gr.  of  Athanasius  is  better: 
And  destroyeth  man  more  than  any  other  spirit, 
f  Questions.  g  ViJ.  Edit.  O.xon.  p.  70,  b.  Comp.  2, 
Cor.  vii.  10.    h  Lat.  Sensus  :  from  the  Gr.  N»f . 

145 


We  must  not  grieve 


II.  HERMAS. 


the  Spirit  of  God- 


the  power  of  divinity  speaks  all  things 
of  itself ;  because  he  comes  from  above, 
from  the  power  of  the  spirit  of  God. 

10  But  he  that  being  asked  speaks 
according  to  men's  desires,  and  concern- 
ing many  other  affairs  of  this  present 
world,  imderstands  not  the  things  which 
relate  unto  God.  For  these  spirits  are 
darkened  through  such  affairs,  and  cor- 
rupted, and  broken. 

1 1  As  good  vines  if  they  are  neglect- 
ed, are  oppressed  with  weeds  and  thorns, 
and  at  last  killed  by  them  ;  so  are  the 
men  who  believe  such  spirits : 

12  They  fall  into  many  actions  and 
businesses,  and  are  void  of  sense,  '  and 
when  they  think  of  things  pertaining 
unto  God,  they  understand  nothing  at  all : 
but  if  at  any  time  they  chance  to  hear 
anything  concerning  the  Lord,  their 
*■  thoughts  are  upon  their  business. 

1 3  But  they  that  have  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  and  search  out  the  truth  concern- 
ing God,  '  having  all  their  thoughts  to- 
wards the  Lord  ;  apprehend  whatsoever 
is  said  to  them,  and  forthwith  understand 
it,  because  they  have  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
in  them. 

14  For  where  the  spirit  of  the  Lord 
dwells,  there  is  also  "  much  understand- 
ing added.  Wherefore  join  thyself  to 
the  Lord,  "  and  thou  shall  understand  all 
things. 

15  IT  Learn  now,  0  unwise  man !  how 
sadness  "  troubleth  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
how  it  saves.  VVhen  a  man  that  is 
doubtful  is  engaged  in  any  afTair,  and 
does  not  accomplish  it  by  reason  of  his 
doubting ;  this  sadness  enters  into  him, 
and  grieves  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  makes 
him  sad. 

16  Again,  anger  when  it  overtakes 
any  man  for  any  business,  he  is  greatly 
moved  ;  p  and  then  again  sadness  enter- 


i  And  understand  nothing  at  all,  thinking  of  rich- 
es. Lat.  k  Senses.  1  Gr.  of  Athanasius,  KapiJi'ai/ 
e'xovT£i  cjpof  Kvptov.  So  that  the  Latin  should  be 
Habentes,  not  Habent.  m  Gr.  Hiivtii  ttoXXi). 
nGr.  Ilai/rtoi/ voi'/o-ci?.  And  so  the  Lamb.  MS. 
Omniascies.  oGr. tKTpiliti.  MS.  Lamb.  Contribu- 
lat.  p  In  the  Greek  of  Athanasius,   follows,  x, 

Toiijffj)  Ti  KUKOv.  And  he  doth  something  which  is 
ill.  Which  better  agrees  with  what  follows,  Be- 
cause he  hath  done  amiss.  Tlje  text  in  this  place 
being  evidently  corrupted,  it  has  been  endeavoured 
to  restore  the  true  sense  of  it  from  the  Gr.  of  Atha- 
nasius, which  is  as  follows :  ITuXii'  >^  \iirr] 
tiaiTopcvTrai  ti's  rfiv  KapSiav  tS  di/Bpco-rrv  t5 
(ift)X<'X''?<rai'7ro5,  x,  Xo-rrcirai  iirl  ti)  Tzpa^ti  avrS 
r,   iTTpa^tv,    X,  ^cravocX   on    novrjpdv  Itpyaa^aTO, 

14G 


eth  into  the  heart  of  him,  who  was  mov- 
ed with  anger,  and  he  is  troubled  for 
what  he  hath  done,  and  repenteth  because 
he  hath  done  amiss. 

17  This  sadness  therefore  seemeth  to 
bring  salvation,  because  he  repenteth  of 
his  evil  deed.  But  both  the  other  things 
namely,  doubting  and  sadness,  such  as 
before  was  mentioned,  vex  the  spirit : 
doubting,  because  his  work  did  not  suc- 
ceed ;  and  sadness,  because  he  angered 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

18  1  Remove  therefore  sadness,  from 
thyself;  "■  and  afflict  not  the  Holy  Spirit 
which  dwelleth  in  thee  ;  lest  he  '  entreat 
God,  and  depart  from  thee.  For  the  spir- 
it of  the  Lord  '  which  is  given  to  dwell 
in  the  flesh,  endureth  no  such  sadness. 

19  Wherefore  clothe  thyself  with 
cheerfulness,  which  has  always  favour 
with  the  Lord,  and  thou  shall  rejoice  in 
it.  For  every  cheerful  man  does  well  ; 
and  relishes  those  things  that  are  good, 
and  de.spises  "  sadness. 

20  But  the  sad  man  does  always 
wickedly.  First,  he  doth  wickedly,  "  be- 
cause he  grieveth  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  is 
given  to  man  being  of  a  cheerful  nature. 
And  again  he  does  ill,  because  he  prays 
with  sadness  unto  the  Lord,  and  maketh 
not  first  a  thankful  acknowledgement 
unto  him  of  former  mercies  ;  and  obtains 
not  of  God  what  he  asks. 

21  For  the  prayer  of  a  sad  man  has 
not  always  efficacy  to  come  up  to  the 
altar  of  God.  And  I  said  unto  him,  Sir, 
why  has  not  the  prayers  of  a  sad  man 
virtue  to  come  up  to  the  altar  of  God  .' 
Because,  said  he,  that  sadness  remaineth 
in  his  heart. 

22  When  therefore  a  man's  prayer 
shall  be  accompanied  with  sadness,  it 
will  not  suflTer  his  requests  to  ascend 
pure  to  the  altar  of  God.  Fur  as  wine 
when  it  is  mingled  with  vinegar,  has  not 
the  sweetness  it  had  before ;  so  sadness 
being  mixed  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  suffers 
not  a  man's  prayer  to  be  the  same  that 
it  would  be  otherwise. 

23  Wherefore  cleanse  thyself  from 
sadness,  which  is  evil,  and  thou  shalt 

"Avri;  Sv  f)  \iirri  SokcT  ^oiTripiav  ^xciv,  8ri  rd 
iroi/ripdv  iopa^ai  fiejttvutiutv.  'AfujiuTtpai  6i  Toiv 
(opd^eo>v  \vTrSoi,  &c. 

q  Antioch.  Horn.  x.xv.  r  Gr.  Mr;  OMSc,  MS. 
Lamb.  Nolinocere.  sGr.  Mi)  ii/rrffflirai  ru5  SttD. 
Coraj).  Rom.  vii.  37.  'Gr.  To  Sobiv  tii  rriv  aapxa, 
rairrjv  \vtrr)v  ovk  ixooifiipei.  u  Gr.  Xvtijj.  t  So 
the  Creek:  b  it  Xujrjjpos  dvfip  jrdvroTrc  irovripeveirai. 
JlpoJTon  jii]/  7Toi>r]pc\icvaij  &c. 


Spirits  and  prophets 


11.  HERMAS. 


to  be  tried  by  works. 


live  unto  God.  And  all  others  shall  live 
unto  God,  as  many  as  shall  lay  aside 
sadness,  and  put  on  cheerfulness. 

COMMAND  XL 

Thnt  the  spirits  and  prophets  are  to  be  tried  by  their 
works  ;  and  of  a  two-fold  spirit. 

HE  shewed  me  certain  men  sitting 
upon  benches,  and  one  sitting  in 
a  chair  :  and  he  said  unto  me  ;  See  .t  thou 
those  who  sit  upon  benches  ?  Sir,  said 
I,  I  see  them.  He  answered.  They  are 
the  faithful ;  and  he  who  sits  in  a  chair, 
is  an  earthly  spirit. 

2  For  he  cometh  not  info  "the  assem- 
bly of  the  faithful,  but  avoids  it.  But 
he  joins  himself  to  the  doubtful  and 
empty ;  and  prophesies  to  them  in  cor- 
ners and  hidden  places ;  and  pleases 
them  by  speaking  according  to  all  the 
desires  of  their  hearts. 

3  For  he  placing  himself  among  empty 
vessels,  is  not  broken,  but  the  one  filteth 
the  other.  But  w^hen  he  cometh  into 
the  company  of  just  men,  "  who  are  full 
of  the  spirit  of  God,  and  they  pray  unto 
the  Lord  ;  that  man  is  "  emptied,  because 
that  earthly  spirit  flies  from  him,  and  he 
is  dumb,  and  cannot  speak  anythi]\g. 

4  As  if  in  a  store-house  you  shall 
stop  up  wine  or  oil ;  and  among  those 
vessels  shall  place  an  empty  jar  ;  and 
shall  afterwards  come  to  open  it,  you 
shall  find  it  empty  as  you  stopped  it  up : 
so  those  empty  prophets,  when  they 
come  among  the  spirits  of  the  just,  are 
found  to  be  such  as  they  came.'- 

5  H  I  said,  How  then  shall  a  man  be 
able  to  discern  them  ?  Consider  what  I 
am  going  to  say  concerning  both  kinds 
of  *  men  ;  and  as  I  speak  unto  thee,  so 
shah  thou  prove  the  prophet  of  God,  and 
the  false  prophet. 

6  Aiui  first  try  the  man  who  hath  the 
Spirit  of  God  ;  because  the  spirit  which 
is  from  above  is  humble,  and  quiet;  and 
departs  from  all  wickedness ;  and  from 
the  vain  desires  of  the  present  world ; 
and  makes  himself  more  humble  than  all 
men ;  and  answers  to  none  when  he  is 
asked  ;  nor  to  every  one  singly :  for  the 


^  Church  of  the  living.  ^  Have  the  Spirit  of  God 
in  them,  y  Exinanitur.  z  Something  was  wanting 
ill  this  place  to  make  the  subject  clear,  and  it  was 
suggested  to  Archbishop  Wake,  by  Dr.  Grabe,  that 
what  should  have  followed  was  transposed  into  the 
next  command.  Accordingly  the  Archbishop  redu- 
ced both  places  to  wjiat  he  conceived  should  be  their 
true  order,  and  in  that  state  they  now  stand,  a  Ves- 
sels. 


Spirit  of  God  doth  not  speak  to  a  man 
when  he  will,  but  when  God  pleases. 

7  When  therefore  a  man  who  hath 
the  Spirit  of  God  shall  come  into  tJie 
church  of  the  righteous,  who  have  the 
faith  of  God,  and  they  pray  unto  the 
Lord ;  then  the  holy  angel  of  God  fills 
that  man  with  the  blessed  Spirit,  and  he 
speaks  in  the  congregation  as  he  is  mo- 
ved of  God. 

8  Thus  therefore  is  the  Spirit  of  God 
known,  because  whosoever  speakefh  by 
the  Spirit  of  God,  speaketh  as  the  Lord 
will. 

9  t  Hear  now  concerning  the  earthly 
spirit,  which  is  empty  and  foolish,  and 
without  virtue.  And  first  of  all  the  men 
who  is  supposed  to  have  the  Spirit, 
(whereas  he  hath  it  not  in  reality),  ex- 
alteth  himself,  and  desires  to  have  the 
first  seat,  and  is  wicked,  and  full  of 
words ; 

10  And  spends  his  time  in  pleasure, 
and  in  all  manner  of  voluptuousness  ; 
and  receives  the  reward  of  his  divina- 
tion ;  which  if  he  receives  not,  he  does 
not  divine. 

11  Should  the  Spirit  of  God  receive 
reward  and  divine  .'  It  doth  become  a 
prophet  of  God  so  to  do. 

12  Thus  you  see  the  life  of  each  of 
these  kind  of  prophets.  Wherefore  prove 
that  man  by  his  life  and  works,  who 
says  that  he  hath  the  Holy  Spirit.  And 
believe  the  Spirit  which  conies  from  God, 
and  has  power  as  such.  But  believe  not 
the  earthly  and  empty  spirit,  which  is 
from  the  devil,  in  whom  there  is  no  faith 
nor  virtue. 

13  Hear  now  the  similitude  which  I 
am  about  to  speak  unto  thee.  Take  a 
stone,  and  throw  it  up  towards  heaven  ; 
or  take  a  spout  of  water,  and  mount  it 
up  thitherward  ;  and  see  if  thou  canst 
reach  unto  heaven. 

14  Sir,  said  1,  How  can  this  be  done  .' 
For  neither  of  those  things  which  you 
have  mentioned,  are  possible  to  be  done. 
And  he  answered,  therefore  as  these 
things  cannot  be  done,  so  is  the  earthly 
spirit  without  virtue,  and  without  ettect. 

15  Understand  yet  farther  the  power 
which  cometh  from  above,  in  this  simili- 
tude. The  grains  of  hail  that  drop  down 
are  exceeding  small ;  and  yet  when  they 
fall  upon  the  head  of  a  man,  how  do 
they  cause  pain  to  it  ? 

I'e  And  again  ;  consider  the  droppings 
of  a  house  ;  how  the  little  drops  falling 
147 


(God''s  commands 


II.  HERMAS. 


not  irtifOssibU. 


upon   the  earth,  work  a  liollow  in  the 
stones 

17  So  in  like  manner  the  least  things 
which  come  from  above,  and  fall  upon 
the  earth,  have  great  force.  Wherefore 
join  thyself  to  this  spirit,  which  has 
power  ;  and  depart  from  the  other  which 
is  empty. 

COMMAND  XII. 

Of  a  two-fold  desire  :  that  the  commands  of  God  are 
not  impossible:  and  that  the  devil  is  not  to  he 
feared  by  them  that  believe. 

AGA[N  he  said  unto  me;  ''remove 
from  thee  all  evil  desires,  and  put 
on  good  and  holy  desires.  For  having 
put  on  a  good  desire,  thou  shalt  hate 
that  which  is  evil,  and  bridle  it  as  thou 
wilt.  But  an  evil  desire  is  dreadful,  and 
hard  to  be  tamed. 

2  It  is  very  horrible  and  wild  ;  and  by 
its  wildness  consumes  men.  And  espe- 
cially if  a  servant  of  God  shall  chance  to 
fall  into  it,  except  he  be  very  wise,  he 
•^is  ruined  by  it.  For  it  destroys  those 
who  have  not  the  garment  of  a  good  de- 
sire ;  and  ''are  engaged  in  the  affairs  of 
this  piesent  world;  and  delivers  them 
unto  death. 

3  '  Sir,  said  I,  What  are  the  works  of 
an  evil  desire,  which  bring  men  unto 
death  ?  Shew  them  to  me,  that  I  may 
depart  from  them.  Hear,  said  he,  by 
what  works  an  evil  desire  bringeth  the 
servants  of  God  unto  death. 

4  First  of  all,  it  is  an  evil  desire  to 
covet  another  man's  wile  ;  or  for  a  wo- 
man to  covet  another's  husband  ;  as  also 
to  desire  the  dainties  of  riches  ;  and  mul- 
titude of  superfluous  meats  ;  and  drunk- 
enness ;  and  many  delights. 

5  For  in  much  delicacy  there  is  folly  ; 
and  many  pleasures  are  needless  to  the 
servants  of  God.  Such  lusting  therefore 
IS  evil  and  pernicious,  which  brings  to 
death  the  servants  of  God.  For  all  such 
lusting  is  from  the  devil. 

6  Whosoever  therefore  shall  depart 
from  all  evil  desires,  shall  live  unto  God ; 
but  they  that  are  subject  unto  them  shall 
die  for  ever.  For  this  evil  lusting  is 
deadly.     Do  thou  therefore  put  on  the  de- 


b  Vid.  Antioch.  Horn.  Ixxiv.  c  MS.  Lamb.  Con- 
jumitiir,  et  Gr.  Athanas.  iaiiavarai.  dGr.  Atha- 
nas.  i^iTTtdvpjxtvov  ;  rui  diuvi  tovtio.  Instead  of 
Imjilicatens,'  the  Lnt.  Vers,  shnuld  te  Implicato?. 
•^That  the  words  here  inserted,  and  removed  into 
their  proper  place  in  the  foregoing  Command,  do 
not  belong  to  thii  Discourse,  the  Greek  of  Athaiia- 
»iu9,  in  which  they  are  all  omitted,  dearly  shows. 

148 


sire  of  righteousness,  and  being  armed 
with  the  fear  of  the  Lord  resist  all  wick- 
ed lusting. 

7  For  this  fear  dwelleth  in  good  de- 
sires ;  and  when  evil  coveting  .shall  see 
thee  armed  with  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  re.sisting  it,  it  will  fly  far  from  thee, 
and  not  appear  before  thee,  but  be  afraid 
of  thy  armour ; 

s  And  thou  shalt  have  the  victory, 
and  be  crowned  for  it ;  and  shalt  attain 
unto  that  desire  which  is  good  ;  and  shalt 
give  the  victory  which  thou  hast  obtained 
unto  God,  and  shall  serve  him  in  doing 
what  thou  thyself  wouldest  do. 

9  For  if  thou  shalt  serve  good  desires, 
and  be  subject  to  them,  thou  shalt  be 
able  to  get  the  dominion  over  thy  wicked 
lustings;  and  they  shall  be  subject  to  thee 
as  thou  wilt. 

10  IT  And  I  .laid;  Sir,  I  would  know 
how  to  serve  that  desire  which  is  good  > 
Hearken,  .said  he.  Fear  God,  and  put  thy 
tru.st  in  him,  and  love  truth,  and  right- 
eousness, and  do  that  which  is  good. 

1 1  If  thou  shalt  do  these  things,  thou 
shalt  he  an  approved  servant  of  God ; 
and  shalt  serve  him  :  and  all  others  who 
shall  in  like  manner  serve  a  good  desire, 
shall  live  unto  God. 

12  n  And  when  he  had  fulfilled  these 
twelve  commands,  he  said  unto  me.  Thou 
hast  now  these  commands,  walk  in  them  ; 
and  exhort  those  that  hear  them  that  they 
repent,  and  that  they  keep  their  repent- 
ance pure  all  the  remaining  days  of  their 
life. 

13  And  fulfil  diligently  this  ministry 
which  I  commit  to  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
receive  great  advantage  by  it ;  and  shalt 
find  favour  with  all  such  as  shall  repent, 
and  shall  believe  thy  words.  For  [  am 
with  thee,  and  will  force  them  to  believe. 

14  And  1  said  unto  him,  Sir,  these 
commands  are  great  and  excellent,  and 
able  to  cheer  the  heart  of  that  man  that 
.shall  be  able  to  keep  them  But,  sir,  I 
cannot  tell,  whether  they  can  be  observed 
by  any  man  .' 

15  He  answered.  Thou  shalt  easily 
keep  these  commands,  and  they  shall  not 
be  hard  :  howbeit,  if  thou  shalt  sufl'er  it 
once  to  enter  into  thy  heart  that  they  can- 
not be  kept  by  any  one,  thou  shalt  not 
fulfil  them. 

16  But  now  I  say  unto  thee,  if  thou 
shalt  not  ob.serve  these  commands,  but 
shalt  neglect   them,  thou  shalt   not   be 

'  saved,  nor  thy  children,  nor  thy  house  : 


Believers  not  to 


II.  HERMAS. 


fear  the  devil 


because  thou  hast  judged  that  these  com- 
mands cannot  be  kept  by  man. 

17  11  These  things  he  spake  very  an- 
grily unto  me,  insomuch  that  he  greatly 
atfriglited  me.  For  he  changed  his  coun- 
tenance, so  that  a  man  could  not  bear  his 
anger. 

18  And  when  he  saw  me  altogether 
troubled  and  confounded,  he  began  to 
speak  more  moderately  and  cheerfully, 
saying,  0  foolish,  and  without  under- 
standing ! 

19  Unconstant,  not  knowing  the  ma- 
jesty of  God,  how  great  and  wonderful 
he  is  :  w'ho  created  the  world  for  man, 
and  hath  made  every  creature  subject 
unto  him  ;  and  given  him  all  power,  that 
he  should  be  able  to  ''fulfil  all  these  com- 
mands. 

20  He  is  able,  said  he,  to  ffultil  all 
these  commands,  who  has  the  Lord  in  his 
heart :  but  they  who  have  the  Lord  only 
in  their  mouths,  and  their  heart  is  hard- 
ened, and  they  are  far  from  the  Lord  ;  to 
such  persons  these  commands  are  hard 
and  difficult. 

21  Put  therefore,  ye  that  are  emjjty 
and  light  in  the  faith,  the  Lord  your  God 
in  your  hearts;  and  ye  shall  perceive  hovv 
that  nothing  is  more  easy  than  these  com- 
mands, nor  more  pleasant,  nor  more  gen- 
tle and  holy. 

22  And  turn  yourselves  to  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  forsake  the  devil  and  his 
pleasures,  because  they  are  evil,  and  bit- 
ter, and  impure.  And  fear  not  the  devil, 
because  he  has  no  power  over  you. 

23  For  I  am  with  you,  the  s  messen- 
ger of  repentance,  who  have  the  domin- 
ion over  him.  The  devil  doth  indeed  af- 
fright men ;  but  his  terror  is  vain. 
Wherefore  fear  him  not,  and  he  will  flee 
from  you. 

24  IT  And  I  said  unto  him  ;  Sir,  hear 
me  speak  a  few  words  unto  you.  He 
answered.  Say  on :  A  man  indeed  desires 
to  keep  the  commandments  of  God  ;  and 
there  is  no  one  but  what  prays  unto  God, 
that  he  may  be  able  to  keep  his  com- 
mandments. 

2-5  But  the  devil  is  hard,  and  by  his 
power  rules  over  the  servants  of  God. 
And  he  said  ;  He  cannot  rule  over  the 
servants  of  God,  *■  who  trust  in  him  with 
all  their  hearts. 

26  The  devil  may  strive,  but  he  can- 
not overcome  them. 


f  Ut  dominetur.        S  Angel. 
et£  'Avit6v. 


h  Gr.  c\in?6vr(av 


27  For  if  ye  resist  him,  he  will  flee 
away  with  confusion  from  you.  But 
they  that  are  not  full  in  the  faith,  fear  the 
devil,  as  if  he  had  some  great  power. 
For  the  devil  tries  the  servants  of  God  ; 
and  if  he  finds  them  empty,  he  destroys 
them. 

28  For  as  a  man,  when  he  fills  up  ves- 
sels with  good  wine,  'and  among  them 
puts  a  few  vessels  half  full,  and  comes 
to  try  and  taste  of  the  vessels,  doth  not 
try  those  that  are  full,  because  he  knows 
that  they  are  good ;  but  tastes  those 
that  are  half  full,  lest  they  should  grow 
sour;  (for  vessels  half  full  soon  grow 
sour,  and  lose  the  taste  of  wine:)  so  the 
devil  comes  to  the  servants  of  God  to  try 
them. 

29  They  that  are  full  of  faith  resist 
him  stoutly,  and  he  departs  from  them, 
because  he  finds  no  place  where  to  enter 
into  them  :  then  he  goes  to  those  that  are 
not  full  of  faith,  and  because  he  has 
place  of  entrance,  he  goes  into  them,  and 
does  what  he  will  with  them,  and  they 
become  his  servants. 

30  IT  But  I,  the  ■>  messenger  of  re- 
pentance, say  unto  you,  fear  not  the  devil. 
For  I  am  sent  unto  you,  that  I  may  be 
with  you,  as  many  as  shall  repent  with 
your  whole  heart,  and  that  I  may  con- 
firm you  in  the  faith. 

31  'Believe  thg-efore,  ye  who  by  rea- 
son of  your  transgressions  have  ™  forgot 
God,  and  your  own  salvation  ;  and  "  ad- 
ding to  your  sins,  have  made  your  life 
very  heavy ; 

32  That  if  ye  shall  turn  to  the  Lord 
with  your  whole  hearts,  and  shall  serve 
him  according  to  his  will ;  he  will  heal 
you  of  your  former  sins,  and  ye  shall 
have  dominion  over  all  the  works  of  the 
devil. 

33  Be  not  then  afraid  in  the  least  of 
his  threatenings,  for  they  are  without 
force,  as  the  nerves  of  a  dead  man.  But 
hearken  unto  me,  and  fear  the  Lord  Al- 
mighty, who  is  able  to  save  and  to  des- 
troy you  ;  and  keen  his  commands,  that 
ye  may  live  unto  God. 

34  And  I  said  unto  him;  Sir,  1  am 
now  confirmed  in  all  the  commands  of 
the  Lord  whilst  that  you  are  with  me; 
and  I  know  that  you  will  break  all  the 
power  of  the  devil. 


i  Origen,  in  Matt.  xxiv.  42.  k  Angel.  I  Vid.  An- 
tiocli.  Horn.  Ixxvi).  »>  MS.  Lamb.  Qui  obliti  estis 
Deum,  et  salutem  vestram.  n  What  follows  should 
be  coireeted  thus  :  Et  qui  adjicientes  peccatis  ve«- 
tris,  grdvutis  vitara  vestram. 

149 


Of  the  world 


III.  HERMAS. 


to  come. 


35  And  we  also  shall  overcome  him, 
if  we  shall  be  able,  through  the  help  of 
the  Lord,  to  keep  these  commands  which 
you  have  delivered. 

36  Thou  shalt  keep  them,  said  he,  if 


thou  shalt  puiilj'  thy  heart  towards  the 
Lord.  And  all  they  also  shall  keep 
them  who  shall  cleanse  their  hearts  from 
the  vain  desires  of  the  present  world, 
and  shall  live  unto  God. 


The  Third  Book  of  HERMAS,  which  is  called   his  SIMILI- 
TUDES. 


SIMILITUDE  I. 

That  seeing  we  have  no  abiding  city  in  this  world, 
we  ought  to  look  after  that  which  is  to  come. 

AND  he  said  unto  me;  *Ye  know 
that  ye  who  are  the  servants  of  the 
Lord,  live  here  as  in  a  pilgrimage  ;  for 
your  city  is  far  off'  from  this  city. 

2  If,  therefore,  ye  know  your  city  in 
which  ye  are  to  dwell,  why  do  ye  here 
buy  estates,  and  provide  yourselves  with 
delicacies,  and  stately  buildings,  and 
superfluous  houses  .'  For  he  that  pro- 
vides himself  these  tWngs  in  this  city, 
does  not  think  of  returning  into  his  own 
city. 

3  0  foolish,  and  doubtful,  and  wretch- 
ed man  :  who  understandest  not  that  all 
these  things  belong  to  other  men,  and 
are  under  the  power  of  another.  For 
the  Lord  of  this  city  saith  unto  thee ; 
Either  obey  my  laws,  or  depart  out  of 
my  city. 

4  What  therefore  shalt  thou  do  who 
art  subject  to  a  law  in  thine  own  city  .' 
Canst  thou  for  thy  estate,  or  for  any  of 
those  things  Avhich  thou  hast  provided, 
deny  thy  law  .'  But  if  thou  shalt  deny 
it,  and  wilt  afterwards  return  into  thy 
own  city,  thou  shalt  not  be  received,  but 
shalt  be  excluded  thence. 

5  See  therefore,  that  like  a  man  in 
another  countr}-,  thou  procure  no  more 
to  thyself  than  what  is  necessary,  and 
sufficient  for  thee ;  and  be  ready,  that 
when  the  God  or  Lord  of  this  city  shall 
drive  thee  out  of  it,  thou  mayest  oppose 
his  law,  and  go  into  thine  own  city ; 


a  Antioch.  Horn.  zv. 


where  thou  mayest  with  all  cheerfulness 
live  according  to  thine  own  law  without 
wrong. 

6  Take  heed  therefore  ye  that  serve 
God,  and  have  him  in  your  hearts  :  work 
ye  the  works  of  God,  being  mindful  both 
of  his  commands  and  of  his  promises, 
which  he  has  promised;  and  be  assured 
that  he  will  make  them  good  unto  you  ; 
if  ye  shall  keep  his  commandments. 

7  Instead  therefore  of  the  possessions 
that  ye  would  otherwise  purchase,  re- 
deem ''those  that  are  in  want  from  their 
necessities,  as  every  one  is  able  ;  justify 
the  widows  ;  judge  the  cause  of  the  fath- 
erless ;  and  spend  your  riches  and  your 
wealth  in  such  works  as  these. 

8  For,  for  this  end  has  God  enriched 
you,  that  ye  might  fulfil  these  kind  of 
services.  It  is  much  better  to  do  this, 
than  to  buy  lands  or  houses  ;  because  all 
such  things  shall  perish  with  this  present 
time. 

9  But  what  ye  shall  do  for  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  ye  shall  find  in  your  city, 
and  shall  have  joy  without  sadness  or 
fear.  Wherefore  covet  not  the  riches  of 
the  heathen  ;  for  they  are  destructive  to 
the  servants  of  God. 

10  'But  trade  with  your  own  riches 
which  you  possess,  by  which  ye  may  at- 
tain unto  everlasting  joy. 

1 1  And  do  not  commit  adultery,  nor 
touch  any  other  man's  wife,  nor  desire 
her  ;  but  covet  that  which  is  thy  own  bu- 
siness, and  thou  shalt  be  saved. 


t)  Souls.      c  MS.  Lambeth.     Proprias  autem  qua' 
hubetis  agite. 


150 


The  rich  helped  by 


III.  HERMAS. 


the  p-ayers  of  tM  poor. 


SIMILITUDE  II. 


As  the  vine  is  supported  by  the  elm,  so  is  the  rich 
man  helped  by  the  prayers  of  the  poor. 

AS  I  was  walking  into  the  field,  and 
considered  the  ehn  and  the  vine,  and 
thought  with  myself  of  their  fruits,  an 
angel  appeared  unto  me,  and  said  unto 
me ;  What  is  it  that  thou  thinkest  upon 
thus  long  within  thyself  .' 

2  And  I  said  unto  him,  Sir,  I  think  of 
this  vine  and  this  elm,  because  their  fruits 
are  fair.  And  he  said  unto  me  ;  •<  These 
two  trees  are  set  for  a  pattern  to  the  ser- 
vants of  God. 

3  And  I  said  unto  him :  Sir,  I  would 
know  in  what  pattern  of  these  trees  which 
thou  mentionest  does  consist.  Hearken, 
said  he  ;  seesl  thou  this  vine  and  this 
elm .'     Sir,  .said  I,  I  see  them. 

4  This  vine,  saith  he,  is  fruitful,  but 
the  elm  is  a  tree  without  fruit.  Never- 
theless this  vine  unless  it  were  set  by  this 
elm,  and  supported  by  it,  would  not  bear 
much  fruit ;  but  lying  along  upon  the 
ground,  would  bear  but  ill  fruit,  because 
it  did  not  hang  upon  the  elm  :  whereas, 
now  being  supported  upon  the  elm,  it 
bears  fruit  both  for  itself,  and  for  that. 

5  See,  therefore,  how  the  elm  gives  no 
less,  but  rather  more  fruit,  than  the  vine. 
How,  sir,  said  I,  does  it  bear  more  fruit 
than  the  vine  ?  Because,  said  he,  the 
vine  being  supported  upon  the  elm  gives 
both  much  and  good  fruit :  whereas,  if  it 
lay  along  upon  the  ground,  it  would  bear 
but  little,  and  that  very  ill  too. 

6  This  similitude,  therefore,  is  set 
forth  to  the  servants  of  God  ;  and  it  rep- 
resents the  rich  and  poor  man.  I  an- 
swered. Sir,  make  this  manifest  unto  me. 
Hear,  said  he  ;  the  lich  man  has  wealth  ; 
howbeit  towards  the  Lord  he  is  poor ;  for 
he  is  =  taken  up  about  his  riches,  and 
prays  but  little  to  the  Lord  ;  and  the  pray- 
ers which  he  makes  are  lazy  and  without 
force. 

7  When,  therefore  the  rich  man  reach- 
es out  to  the  poor  those  things  which  he 
wants,  the  poor  man  prays  unto  the  Lord 
for  the  rich ;  and  God  grants  unto  the 
rich  man  all  good  things,  because  the 
poor  man  is  rich  in  prayer :  and  his  re- 
quests have  great  power  with  the  Lord. 

8  Then  the  rich  man  ministers  all 
things  to  the  poor,  because  he  perceives 
that  he  is  heard  by  the  Lord  ;  and  he  the 

i  Vid.  Origen.  in  Jos.  Horn.  x.    e  Distracted. 


more  willingly  and  without  doubting,  af- 
fords him  what  he  wants,  and  takes  care 
that  nothing  be  lacking  to  him. 

9  And  the  poor  man  gives  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  for  the  rich ;  because  they  do 
both  their  work  from  the  Lord. 

10  With  men,  therefore,  the  elm  is  not 
thought  to  give  any  fruit ;  and  they  know 
not,  neither  understand  that  it.'^  company 
being  added  to  the  vine,  the  vine  bears  a 
double  increase,  both  for  itself  and  for  the 
elm. 

1 1  Even  so  the  poor  praying  unto  the 
Lord  for  the  rich,  are  heard  by  him  ;  and 
their  riches  are  increased  because  they 
minister  to  the  poor  of  their  wealth.  They 
are,  therefore,  both  made  partakers  of 
each  other's  good  works. 

12  Whosoever,  therefore,  shall  do 
these  things,  he  shall  not  be  forsaken  by 
the  Lord,  but  shall  be  written  in  the  book 
of  life. 

13  Happy  are  they  who  are  rich,  and 
perceive  themselves  to  be  increased  :  for 
he  that  is  sensible  of  this  will  be  able  to 
minister  somewhat  to  others. 

SIMILITUDE  III 

As  the  green  trees  in  the  winter  cannot  be  di.-.tin- 
<;uished  from  the  dry  ;  so  neither  ciui  the  righteous 
from  the  wicked  in  this  present  world. 

AGAIN  he  shewed  me  many  trees 
whose  leaves  were  shed,  and  which 
seemed  to  me  to  be  withered,  for  they 
were  all  alike.  And  he  said  unto  me, 
Seest  thou  these  trees  .'  I  said.  Sir,  I  see 
that  they  look  like  dry  trees. 

2  He  answering,  said  unto  me  ;  The.se 
trees  are  like  unto  the  men  who  live  in 
this  present  world.  I  replied  ;  Sir,  why 
are  they  hke  unto  dried  trees.'  Because, 
said  he,  neither  the  righteous,  nor  un- 
righteous, are  known  from  one  another  ; 
but  are  all  alike  in  this  present  world. 

3  For  this  world  is  as  the  winter  to  the 
righteous  men,  'because  they  are  not 
known,  but  dwell  among  sinners. 

4  As  in  the  winter,  all  the  trees  havins; 
lost  their  leaves,  are  like  dry  trees ;  nor 
can  it  be  discerned  which  are  dry,  and 
which  are  green  :  so  in  this  present  world 
neither  the  righteous,  nor  wicked,  are  dis- 
cerned from  each  other ;  but  they  are  all 
alike. 

SIMILITUDE  IV 

As  in  the  summer  the  living  trees  are  distinguished 
from  the  dry  by  their  fruit  and  green  leaves  ;  so 


f  Who  are. 


151 


Of  believer'' s  fruits. 


III.  HERMAS. 


Of  a  true  fast. 


in  the  world  to  come  the  righteous  shall  be  distin- 
guished Irom  tlie  unrighteous  by  their  happiness. 

AGAIN  he  shewed  me  many  other 
trees,  of  which  some  had  leaves, 
and  others  appeared  dry  and  withered. 
And  he  said  unto  me,  Seest  thou  these 
trees  ?  I  answered.  Sir,  I  see  them ;  and 
some  are  dry  and  others  full  of  leaves. 

2  These    trees,    saith   he,  which   aie 
green,  are  the  righteous,  which  shall  pos- 
bess  the  world  to  come,  is  the  summer  to  | 
the  righteous  ;  but  to  sinners  it  is  the  win- 
ter. 

3  When,  therefore,  the  mercy  of  the 
Lord  shall  shine  forth,  then  they  who 
serve  God  shall  be  made  manifest  and 
plain  unto   all.     For  as  in  the   summer 

the  fruit  of  every  tree  is  shewn  and  made    

manifest,  so  also  the  works  of  the  right-  \  tj^at  is  which  is  a  ''  complete  fast  and  ac 
eous,  shall  be  declared  and  made  mani-  |  ceptable  unto  God 
fest,  and  they  shall  all  be  restored  in  that  j  ■■      • 

Avorld  merry  and  jnyfnl.  i 

4  For  the  other    kind  of  men,  namely  \ 
the  wicked,    like  the  trees  which  thou 


thanks  unto  God  for  all  the  things  that 
he  had  done  •>  unto  me  ;  behold  I  saw  the 
shepherd  who  was  wont  to  converse  with 
me,  sitting  by  me,  and  saying  unto  me  : 
What  has  brought  thee  hither  thus  early 
in  the  morning .'  I  answered.  Sir,  to-day 
I  keep  a  '  station. 

2  He  answered,  What  is  a  station  .'  I 
replied,  It  is  a  fast.  He  said,  What  is 
that  fast.'  I  answered,  I  fast,  as  I  have 
been  wont  to  do.  Ye  know  not,  said  he, 
what  it  is  to  fast  unto  God  ;  nor  is  this  a 
fast  which  ye  fast,  profiling  nothing  with 
God. 

3  Sir,  said  I,  what  makes  you  speak 
thus  .'  He  replied,  I  sjieak  it,  because 
this  is  not  the  true  fast  which  you  think 
that  you  fast ;  but  I  will  shew  you  what 


sawest  dry,  shall  as  such  be  found  dry 


4  Hearken,  said  he,  The  Lord  does  not 
desire  such  a  needless  fast :  for  fasting  in 
this  manner,  thou  advancest  nothing  in 
righteousness. 

5  'But  the  true  fast  is  this:     Do  no- 


and  without  fruit  in  that  other  world  ;  and  j  xh'ms,  wickedly  in  thy  life,  but  serve  God 


it  shall  be  made  manifest  that  they  have 
done  evil  all  the  time  of  their  life  ; 

5  And  they  shall  be  burnt  because 
they  have  sinned  and  have  not  repented 
of  their  sins.  And  also  all  the  other  na- 
tions shall  be  burnt,  because  they  have 
not  acknowledged  God  their  Creator. 

6  Do  thou,  therefore,  bring  forth  good 
fruit,  that  in  the  summer  thy  fruit  may  be 


with  a  pure  mind ;  and  keep  his  com- 
mandments, and  walk  according  to  his 
precepts,  nor  suffer  any  wicked  desire  to 
enter  into  tli\'  mind. 

6  But  trust  in  the  Lord  that  if  thou  dost 
these  things,  and  fearest  him,  and  abstain- 
est  from  every  evil  work,  thou  shalt  live 
unto  God. 

7  If  thou  shalt  do  this  thou  shalt  per- 


knowi\;  and  keep  thyself  from  much  bu-  fgct  a  great  fast,  and  an  acceptable  one 
siness,  and  thou  shalt  not  offend.     For    ^jj^q  tjjg  Lord. 

they  who  are  involved  in  much  business,  \  g  If  Hearken  unto  the  similitude  which 
sin  much  ;  because  they  are  taken  up  j  am  about  to  propose  unto  thee,  as  to 
with  their  affairs,  and  serve  not  God.         |  this  matter. 

7  And  how  can  a  man  that  does  not  j  9  a  certain  man  having  a  farm  and 
serve  God,  ask  any  thing  of  God  and  re-  |  many  servants,  planted  a  vineyard  in  a 
ceive  it .'     But  they  who  serve  him,  ask  1  certain  part  of  his  estate  for  his  posterity: 


and  receive  what  they  desire 

8  But,  if  a  man  has  only  one  thing  to 
follow,  he  may  serve  God,  because  his 
mind  is  not  taken  off  from  God,  but  he 
serves  him  with  a  pure  mind. 

9  If,  therefore,  thou  shalt  do  this,  thou 
mayest  have  fruit  in  the  world  to  come  ; 


10  And  taking  a  journey  into  a  far 
country,  chose  one  of  his  servants  which 
he  thought  the  most  faithful  and  approv- 
ed, and  delivered  the  vineyard  into  his 
care ;  commanding  him  that  he  should 
stake  up  his  vines.  Which  if  he  did,  and 
fulfilled   his  command,  he   promised   to 


and  all,  as  many  as  shall  do  in  like  man-  give  him  his  liberty.  Nor  did  he  com.- 
ner,  shall  bring  foith  fruit.  mand  him  to  do  any  thing  more;  and  so 

I  went  into  a  far  country. 

SIMILITUDE  V.  j      11  After  then  that  that  servant  had  ta- 

(If  a  true  fast,  und  the  rewards  of  it ;  also  of  the    ken  that  charge  upon  him  ;  he  did  what- 

cieaniinessoftbebody.  }  soevei  his  lord  commanded  him.     And 

AS  I  was  fasting,  and  sitting  down  in 
a  certain    mountain,     and    giving 


152 


h  With  iHB.  i  Vid.  Not.  Coteler.  in  loc.  pp.  72, 
73.  k  Coteler.  Ibid.  '  Jejuna  cerre  verura  jejanium 
tale.     Lnt. 


and  of  its 


III.  HERMAS. 


when  he  had  staked  the  vineyard,  and 
iound  it  to  be  full  of  weeds,  he  began  to 
think  with  himself,  saying  ; 

12  1  have  done  what  my  lord  com- 
manded me  :  I  will  now  dig  this  vine- 
yard, and  when  it  is  digged,  it  will  be 
more  beautiful ;  and  the  weeds  being 
pulled  up,  it  will  bring  forth  more  fruit, 
and  not  be  choked  by  the  weeds. 

13  So  setting  about  this  work  he  dig- 
ged it,  and  plucked  up  all  the  weeds  that 
Avere  in  it ;  and  so  the  vineyard  became 
very  beautiful  and  prosperous,  not  being 
choked  with  weeds. 

14  After  some  time  the  lord  of  the 
vineyard  comes  and  goes  into  the  vine- 
yard, and  when  he  saw  that  it  was  hand- 
somely staked,  and  digged,  and  the  weeds 
plucked  up  that  were  in  it,  and  the  vines 
flourishing,  he  rejoiced  greatly  at  the  care 
of  his  .servant. 

15  And  calling  his  son  whom  he  loved, 
and  who  was  to  be  his  heir,  and  hi.s 
friends  with  whom  he  was  wont  to  con- 
sult; he  tells  them  what  he  had  com- 
manded his  servant  to  do,  and  what  his 
servant  had  done  more  ;  and  they  imme- 
diately congratulated  that  servant,  that  he 
had  received  so  ■"  full  a  testimony  from 
his  lord. 

16  Then  he  said  unto  them,  I  indeed 
promised  this  seWant  his  liberty,  if  he 
observed  the  command  which  I  gave  him  ; 
and  he  observed  it,  and  besides  has  done 
a  good  work  to  my  vineyard,  which  has 
exceedingly  pleased  me. 

17  Wherefore  for  this  work  which  he 
hath  done,  I  will  make  him  my  heir  to- 
gether with  niy  son  ;  because  that  when 
he  saw  what  was  good,  he  neglected  it 
not,  but  did  it. 

18  This  design  of  the  lord  both  his  son 
and  his  friends  approved,  namely,  that 
his  servant  should  be  heir  together  with 
his  son. 

19  Not  long  after  this,  the  master  of 
the  family  calling  together  his  friends, 
sent  from  his  supper  several  kinds  of 
food  to  that  servant. 

20  Which  when  he  had  had  received, 
he  took  so  much  of  them  as  was  suffi- 
cient for  himself,  and  divided  the  rest 
among  his  fellow  servants. 

21  Which  when  they  had  received, 
they  rejoiced  ;  and  wished  that  he  might 
find  yet  greater  favour  with  his  lord,  for 
what  he  had  done  to  them. 


m  Just  a  comraendation. 


22  When  his  lord  heard  all  these 
things,  he  was  again  filled  with  great  joy; 
and  calling  again  his  friends  and  his  son 
together,  he  related  to  them  what  his  ser- 
vant had  done  with  the  meats  which  he 
had  sent  unto  him. 

23  They  therefore  so  much  the  more 
assented  to  the  master  of  the  household  ; 
that  he  ought  to  make  that  servant  his 
heir  together  with  his  son. 

24  11  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  I  know  not 
these  similitudes,  neither  can  I  understand 
thern,  unless  you  expound  them  unto  me. 
I  will,  says  he,  expound  all  things  unto 
thee,  whatsoever  I  have  talked  with  thee 
or  shown  unto  thee. 

25  Keep   the   commandments   of   the   ("-^ 
Lord  and  thou  shalt  be  approved,    and      -_\ 
shalt  be  written  in  the  number  of  thos'e'V    '^ 
that  keep  his  commandments.     But  if  be-  -s    1< 
sides  those  things  which  the  Lord  hath  ^ 
commanded,  thou  shalt  add  some  good 
thing ;  thou  shalt  purchase  to  thyself  a 
greater  dignity,  and  be  in  more  favour 
with  the  Lord  than  thou  shouldest  other- 
wise have  been. 

26  If  therefore  thou  shalt  keep  the 
commandments  of  the  Lord,  and  shalt 
add  to  them  these  stations,  thou  shalt  re- 
joice ;  but  especially  if  thou  shalt  keep 
them  according  to  my  commands. 

27  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  whatsoever 
thou  shalt  command  me,  I  will  observe ; 
for  I  know  that  thou  wilt  be  with  me.  I 
will,  said  he,  with  thee,  who  hast  taken 
up  saeh  such  a  resolution  ;  and  I  will  be 
with  all  those  who  purpose  in  hke  man- 
ner. 

28  This  fast,  saith  he,  whilst  thou 
dost  also  observe  the  commandments  of 
the  Lord,  is  exceeding  good.  Thus  there- 
fore shalt  thou  keep  it. 

29  First  of  all,  take  heed  to  thyself, 
and  keep  thyself  from  every  "  wicked  act 
and  from  every  filthy  word,  and  from  ev- 
ery hurtful  desire ;  and  purify  thy  mind 
from  all  the  vanity  of  this  present  world. 
If  thou  shalt  observe  these  things,  this 
fast  shall  be  right. 

30  Thus  therefore  do.  Having  per- 
formed what  is  before  written,  that  day 
on  which  thou  fastest  thou  shalt  taste  no- 
thing at  all  but  °  bread  and  water ;  p  and 
computing  the  quantity  of  food  which 
ihou  art  wont  to  eat  upon  other  days,  thou 
shalt  lay  aside   the  expense  which  thou 

n  Shameful :  or  upbraiding,      o  Vid.  Nut.  Coieler. 
ii.  p.  74.  A.  B,  C.     P  Vid.  Aiitioch.  Iio.ii.  vii. 
1.''5 


III.  HERMAS. 


Expounding 

shouldest  have  made  that  day,  and  give 
it  unto  the  vridow,  the  fatherless,  and  the 
poor. 

31  And  thus  thou  shalt  perfect  the 
humiliation  of  thy  soul  ;  that  he  who  re- 
ceives of  it  niay  satisfy  his  soul,  and  his 
prayer  come  up  to  the  Lord  God  for  thee. 

32  If  therefore  thou  shalt  thus  accom- 
plish thy  fas^  as  I  command  thee,  thy 
sacrifice  shall  be  acceptable  unto  the  lord, 
and  thy  fast  shall  be  written  in  this  book. 

33  This  station,  thus  performed,  is 
good  and  pleasing  and  acceptable  unto  the 
Lord.  These  things  if  thou  shalt  observe 
with  thy  children,  and  with  all  thy  house, 
thou  shalt  be  happy. 

34  And  who.soever,  when  they  hear 
these  things,  shall  do  them,  they  also 
ehall  be  happy ;  and  whatsoever  they 
shall  ask  of  the  Lord  they  shall  receive  it. 

25  And  I  prayed  him  that  he  would 
expound  unto  me  the  similitude  of  the 
farm,  and  the  lord,  and  of  the  vineyard, 
and  of  the  servant  that  had  staked  the 
vineyard  ;  and  of  the  weeds  that  were 
plucked  out  of  the  vineyard  ;  and  of  his 
son  and  his  friends  which  he  took  into 
counsel  with  him.  For  I  understood 
that  that  was  a  similitude. 

36  He  said  unto  me.  Thou  art  very 
bold  in  asking  ;  for  thou  oughtest  not  to 
ask  any  thing ;  because  if  it  be  fitting  to 
shew  it  unto  thee,  it  shall  be  shewed  un- 
to thee. 

37  I  answered  him ;  Sir,  whatsoever 
thou  shalt  shew  me,  without  explaining 
it  unto  me,  I  shall  in  vain  see  it,  if  I  do 
not  understand  what  it  is.  And  if  thou 
shalt  propose  any  similitudes,  and  not  ex- 
pound them,  I  shall  in  vain  hear  them. 

38  He  answered  me  again,  saying  . 
Whosoever  is  the  servant  of  God,  and  has 
the  Lord  in  his  heart,  he  desires  under- 
standing of  him,  and  receives  it ;  and  he 
explains  every  similitude,  and  under- 
stands the  words  of  the  Lord  which  need 
an  inquiry. 

39  But  they  that  are  lazy  and  slow  to 
pray,  doubt  to  seek  from  the  Lord ;  al- 
though the  Lord  be  of  such  an  extraor- 
dinary goodness,  that  without  ceasing  he 
giveth  all  things  to  them  that  ask  of 
him. 

40  Thou  therefore  who  art  strength- 
ened by  that  venerable  messenger,  and 
hast  received  such  a  powerful  gift  of 
prayer  ;  seeing  thou  art  not  slothful,  why 
dost  thou  not  now  ask  understanding  of 
the  Lord,  and  receive  it .' 

154 


the  parable. 


41  I  said  unto  him  ;  seeing  1  have  thee 
present,  it  is  necessary  that  I  should 
seek  it  of  thee,  and  ask  thee ;  for  thou 
shevvest  all  things  unto  me,  and  speak- 
est  to  me  when  thou  art  present. 

42  But  if  I  should  see  or  hear  these 
things  when  thou  wert  not  present,  I 
would  then  ask  the  Lord  that  he  would 
shew  them  unto  me. 

43  H  And  he  replied,  I  said  a  little  be- 
fore that  thou  wert  subtle  and  bold,  in 
that  thou  askest  the  meaning  of  these  si- 
militudes. 

44  But  because  thou  still  persistest;  I 
will  unfold  to  thee  this  parable  which 
thou  desirest,  that  thou  mayest  make  it 
known  unto  all  men. 

45  Hear,  therefore,  said  he,  and  under- 
stand.    The  farm  before  mentioned  de- 
notes the  whole  earth.     The  Lord  of  the 
farm  is  he,  who  created  and  finished  aU^ 
things;  and  gave  virtue  unto  them. _  JV^/''^'-*^ 

46  His  son  is  the  Holy  Spirit: 'the 
servant  is  the  son  of  God:  the  vineyard 
is  the  people  whom  he  saves.  The  stakes 
are  ithe  messengers  which  are  set  over 
them  by  the  Lord,  to  support  his  people. 
The  weeds  that  are  plucked  up  out  of  the 
vineyard,  are  the  sins  which  the  servants 
of  God  had  committed. 

47  The  food  which  he  sent  him  from 
his  supper,  are  the  commands  which  he 
gave  to  his  people  by  his  Son.  The 
friends  whom  he  called  to  counsel  with 
him  are  the  holy  angels  whom  he  first 
created.  The  absence  of  the  master  of 
the  household,  is  the  time  that  remains 
unto  his  coming. 

48  I  said  unto  him,  Sir,  all  these 
things  are  very  excellent,  and  wonderful, 
and  good.  But,  continued  I,  could  I,  or 
any  other  man  besides,  though  never  so 
wise,  have  understood  these  things  > 

49  Wherefore  now,  sir,  tell  me  what  I 
ask.  He  replied.  Ask  me  what  thou 
wilt.  AVhy,  said  I,  is  the  Son  of  God, 
in  this  parable,  put  in  the  place  of  a  ser- 
vant .' 

50  Hearken,  said  he  ;  the  Son  of  God 
is  not  put  in  the  condition  of  a  servant, 
but  in  great  power  and  authority.  1 
said  unto  him.  How  sir  .'  I  understand 
it  not. 

51  Because,  said  he,  the  Son  set  his 
■5  messengers  over  those  whom  the  Father 
delivered  unto  him,  to  keep  every  one  of 
them;    but    he   himself  laboured  very 

q  Angels. 


Of  cleanliness 


III.  HERMAS. 


of  the  body. 


much,  and  suffered  much,  that  he  might 
blot  out  their  offences. 

52  For  no  vineyard  can  be  digged  with- 
out much  labour  and  pains.  Wherefore 
having  blotted  out  the  sins  of  his  people, 
he  shewed  to  them  the  paths  of  life,  giv- 
ing them  the  law  which  he  had  received 
of  the  Father. 

53  You  see,  said  he,  that  he  is  the 
Lord  of  his  people,  having  received  all 
power  from  his  Father.  ''  But  why  the 
lord  did  take  his  son  into  counsel  about 
dividing  the  inheritance,  and  the  good 
angels,  hear  now. 

54  That  "Holy  Spirit  which  was  crea- 
ted first  of  all,  he  placed  in  the  body  in 
which  God  should  dwell;  namely,  in  a 
chosen  body,  as  it  seemed  good  to  him. 
This  body,  therefore  into  which  the  =  Ho- 
ly Spirit  was  brought,  served  that  Spirit, 
walking  rightly  and  purely  in  modesty  ; 
nor  ever  defiled  that  Spirit. 

56  Seeing,  therefore  the  body  at  all 
times  obeyed  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  labor- 
ed rightly  and  chastely  with  him,  nor  fal- 
tered at  any  time;  that  body  being  wea- 
ried conversed  indeed  servilely,  but  being 
mightily  approved  to  God  with  the  Holy 
Spirit,  was  accepted  by  him. 

56  For  such  a  stout  course  pleased 
God,  because  he  was  not  defiled  in  the 
earth,  keeping  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  call- 
ed therefore,  to  counsel  his  Son,  and  the 
good  angels,  that  there  might  be  some 
place  of  standing  given  to  this  body 
which  had  served  the  Holy  Spirit  with- 
out blame;  lest  it  should  seem  to  have 
lost  the  reward  of  its  service. 

57  For  every  pure  body  shall  receive 
its  reward ;  that  is  found  without  spot 
in  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  been  ap- 
pointed to  dwell.  And  thus  you  have 
now  the  exposition  of  this  parable  also. 

58  Sir,  said  1,  I  now  understand  your 
meaning,  since  I  have  heard  this  exposi- 
tion. Hearken,  farther,  said  he  :  keep 
this  thy  body  clean  and  pure,  that  the 
Spirit  which  shall  dwell  in  it  may  bear 
witness  unto  it,  and  be  judged  to  have 
been  with  thee. 

59  Also  take  heed  that  it  be  not  in- 


f  This  place,  which,  in  all  the  editions  of  Herraas, 
is  wretchedly  corrupted,  by  the  collation  of  editions 
and  MS.  is  thus  corrected  by  Dr.  Grabe  :  "  Cluare 
autum  Dominus  in  consilio  adhibuerit,  filium  de 
hjsreditate,  honestosque  nuncios,  audi :  fepiritum 
Sanctum,  qui  creatus  est  omnium  primus,  in  corpore, 
in  quo  habitaret  Deus,  eollocavit ;  in  delecto  scili- 
cet corpore  quod  ei  vebutur."  s  Viz.  the  created 
Spirit  of  Chriat,  ns  man  ;  not  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
Third  Person  of  the  sacred  Trinity. 

155 


e;illed  into  thy  mind  that  this  body  per- 
ishes, and  thou  abuse  it  to  any  lust.  For 
if  thou  shalt  defile  thy  body,  thou  shalt 
also  at  the  same  time  defile  the  Holy  Spir- 
it; and  if  thou  shalt  defile  'the  Holy 
Spirit,  thou  shalt  not  live. 

60  And  I  said,  what  if  through  igno- 
rance this  should  have  been  already  com- 
mitted, before  a  man  heard  these  words  ; 
How  can  he  attain  unto  salvation,  who 
has  thus  defiled  his  body  .' 

61  He  replied,  As  for  men's  former 
actions,  which  through  ignorance  they 
have  committed,  God  only  can  afford  a 
remfidy  unto  them;  for  all  power  belong- 
eth  unto  him. 

62  But  now  guard  thyself ;  and  see- 
ing God  is  almighty  and  merciful,  he 
will  grant  a  remedy  to  what  thou  hast 
formerly  done  amiss,  if  for  the  time  to 
come  thou  shcilt  not  defile  thy  body  and 
spirit : 

63  For  they  are  companions  together, 
and  the  one  cannot  be  defiled  but  the* 
other  will  be  so  too.  Keep  therefore 
both  of  them  pure,  and  thou  shalt  live 
unto  God. 

SIMILITUDE  VI. 

of  two  sorts  of  voluptuous  men,  and  of  their  death, 
defection,  and  of  the  continuance  of  their  pains. 

AS  I  was  sitting  at  home,  and  prais- 
ing God  for  all  the  things  which  I 
had  seen  ;  and  was  thinking  concerning 
the  commands,  that  they  were  exceeding 
good,  and  great,  and  honest,  and  pleas- 
ant ;  and  such  as  were  able  to  brin^  a 
man  to  salvation  ;  I  said  thus  within 
myself ;  I  shall  be  happy  if  I  shall  walk 
according  to  these  commands,  and  who- 
soever shall  walk  in  them  shall  live  unto 
God. 

2  Whilst  I  was  speaking  on  this  wise 
within  myself,  I  saw  him  whom  I  had 
before  been  wont  to  see,  sitting  by  me  ; 
and  he  spake  thus  unto  me  ; 

3  What  doubtest  thou  concerning  my 
commands  which  I  have  delivered  unto 
thee  .'  They  are  good,  doubt  not,  but 
trust  in  the  Lord,  and  thou  shalt  walk  in 
them.  For  I  will  give  thee  strength  "  to 
fulfil  them. 

4  These  commands  are  profitable  to 
those  who  shall  repent  of  those  sins 
which  they  have  formerly  committed  ;  if 
for  the  time  to  come  they  shall  not  con- 
tinue in  them. 

t  Thy  bod}',  according  to  come  copies,     a  lo  them. 


Of  two  sorts  of  III.  HERMAS. 

5  Whosoever  therefore  ye  be  that  re- 1 
pent,  cast  away  from  you  the  naughti- 1 
ness  of  the  present  world  :  and  put  on  ' 
all  virtue,  and  righteousness,  and  so 
shall  ye  be  able  to  keep  these  com- 
mands ;  and  not  sin  from  henceforth  any  j 
more. 

6  For  if  ye  shall  keep  yourselves 
from  sin  for  the  time  to  come,  ye  shall 
cut  of}  a  great  deal  of  yoUi  former  sins. 
Walk  in  my  commands,  and  ye  shall 
live  unto  God :  These  things  have  I  spo- 
ken unto  you. 

7  And  when  he  had  said  this,  he 
added  ;  let  us  go  into  the  field,  and  I  will 
shew  thee  shepherds  of  sheep.  I  re- 
plied. Sir,  let  us  go. 

8  And  we  came  into  a  certain  field, 
and  there  he  shewed  me  a  young  shep- 
herd, ^finely  arrayed,  with  his  garments 
of  a  purple  colour.  And  he  fed  large 
flocks  ;  and  his  sheep  were  full  of  plea- 
sure, and  in  much  delight  and  cheerful- 
ness ;  and  they  skipping,  ran  here  and 
tliere. 

9  And  the  shepherd  took  very  great 
satisfaction  in  his  flock  ;  and  the  counte- 
nance of  that  shepherd  was  cheerful, 
running  up  and  down  among  his  flock. 

10  "il  Then  the  angel  .•iaid  unto  me, 
Seeit  thou  this  shepherd  ?  I  answered. 
Sir,  I  see  him.  He  said  unto  me,  this  is 
the  "me-ssenger  of  delight  and  pleasure. 
He  therefore  corrupts  the  minds  of  the 
servants  of  God,  and  turns  them  from 
the  truth,  delighting  them  with  many 
pleasures,  and  they  perish. 

11  For  they  forget  the  commands  of 
the  living  God,  and  live  in  luxury  and  in 
vain  pleasures  ;  and  are  corrupted  hy  this 
evil  ansrel,  some  of  them  even  unto 
death ;  and  others  to  *  a  falling  away. 

12  1  replied  ;  I  understand  not  what 
you  mean,  by  saying  unto  death,  and  to 
a  falling  away.  Hear,  says  he  :  All 
those  sheep  which  thou  sawest  exceed- 
ing y  joyful,  are  such  as  have  forever  de- 
parted "from  God,  and  given  themselves 
up  to  the  ^  lusts  of  this  present  time. 

13  To  these  therefore  there  is  no  re- 
turn, by  repentance,  unto  life ;  because 
that  to  their  other  sins  they  have  added 
this,  that  they  have  blasphemed  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  These  kind  of  men  are 
ordained  unto  death. 


voluptuous  men, 


•>  Vid.  Annot.  Coteler.  in  loc.  w  Angel.  ^  Ad. 
defectionem,  Lat.  y  Exsultantia,  Lat.  »  In  Gr 
Athauas,   l-niOvjilaif  rS  'Aidvosrtrv. 

156 


14  But  those  sheep  which  thou  saw- 
est not  leaping  but  feeding  in  one  place  ; 
are  such  as  have  indeed  given  themselves 
up  to  pleasures  and  delights  ;  but  have 
not  spoken  anything  wickedly  against 
the  Lord. 

15  These  therefore  are  only  fallen  oflf 
from  the  truth,  and  so  have  yet  hope  laid 
up  for  them  in  repentance.  For  such  a 
falling  oS  hath  some  hope  still  left  of  a 
renewal ;  but  they  that  are  dead,  are  ut- 
terly gone  for  ever. 

16  And  again  he  went  a  little  farther 
forward ;  and  he  shewed  me  a  great 
"shepherd,  who  had  as  it  were  a  rustic 
figure ;  clad  with  a  white  goat's  skin, 
having  his  bag  upon  his  shoulder,  and  in 
his  hand  a  stick  full  of  knots,  and  very 
hai'd,  and  a  whip  in  his  other  hand ;  and 
his  countenance  was  stern  and  sour ; 
enough  to  affright  a  man  ;  such  was  his 
look. 

17  He  took  from  that  young  shepherd 
such  sheep  as  lived  in  pleasures,  but 
did  not  skip  up  and  down  ;  and  drove 
them  into  a  steep  craggy  place,  full  of 
thorns  und  briers,  insomuch  that  they 
could  not  get  themselves  free  from  them ; 

18  But  being  entangled  in  them,  fed 
upon  thorns  and  briers,  and  vrere  griev- 
ously tormented  with  his  whipping  For 
he  still  drove  them  on,  and  afforded  them 
not  any  place,  or  time,  to  stand  still. 

19  ^  When  therefore  I  saw  them  so 
cruelly  whipped  and  afflicted,  I  was 
grieved  for  them;  because  they  were 
greatly  tormented,  nor  had  they  any  rest 
afforded  them. 

20  And  I  said  unto  the  shepherd  that 
was  with  me ;  Sir,  who  is  this  cruel  and 
implacable  shepherd,  v.-ho  is  moved  with 
no  compassion  towards  these  sheep  ?  He 
answered,  ^  This  shepherd  is  indeed  one 
of  the  c  holy  angels,  but  is  appointed  for 
the  punishment  of  sinners. 

21  To  him  therefore  are  delivered 
those  who  have  erred  from  God,  and 
served  the  lusts  and  pleasures  of  this 
world.  For  this  cause  he  punishes  them 
every  one  according  to  their  deserts,  with 
cruel  and  various  kind  of  pains. 

22  Sir,  said  1,  T  v.'ould  know,  what 
kind  of  pains  they  are  which  every  one 
undergoes  ?     Hearken,  said  he  ;  The  sev- 

»  Agrestem,  Lat.  b  Vid.  Origen.  in  Psalm  xxxvii. 
Horn.  1.  c  Righteous.     In  Gr.  Athanas.  £<f  rav 

' A.yyi\ti}v   rCiv   SiKaiwv   i<jri,   fee.,  et  sic  MS. 
Lamb. 


and  of  their  death 


III.  HERMAS. 


and  defection. 


eral  pains  and  torments  are  those  which 
men  every  day  undergo  in  their  present 
Jives.  For  some  suffer  losses ;  others 
poverty  ;  others  divers  sicknesses.  Some 
are  unsettled  ;  others  suffer  injuries  from 
those  that  are  unvrorthy ;  others  fall  under 
many  other  trials  and  inconveniences. 

23  For  many  with  an  unsettled  design 
aim  at  many  things,  and  it  profiteth  them 
not ;  and  they  say  that  they  have  not 
success  in  their  undertakings. 

24  ■*  They  do  not  call  to  their  mind 
what  they  have  done  amiss,  and  they 
complain  of  the  Lord.  When  therefore 
they  shall  have  undergone  all  kind  of 
ve.xation  and  inconvenience  ;  then  they 
are  delivered  over  to  me  for  good  instruc- 
tion, and  are  confirmed  in  the  faith  of  the 
Lord,  and  serve  the  Lord  all  the  rest  of 
their  days  with  a  pure  mind. 

25  And  when  they  begin  to  repent  of 
their  sins,  then  they  call  to  mind  their 
works  which  they  have  done  amiss,  and 
give  honour  to  God,  saying,  That  he  is  a 
just  Judge,  and  they  have  deservedly  suf- 
fered all  things  according  to  their  deeds. 

26  Then  for  what  remains  of  their 
lives,  they  serve  God  with  a  pure  mind  ; 
and  have  success  in  all  their  undertak- 
ings, and  receive  from  the  Lord  what- 
ever they  desire. 

27  And  then  they  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  that  they  were  delivered  unto 
me ;  nor  do  they  suffer  any  more  cru- 
elty. 

28  IT  I  said  unto  him ;  Sir,  I  intreat 
you  fitill  to  shew  me  now  one  thing. 
What,  said  he,  dost  thou  '  ask  .'  I  said 
unto  him ;  are  they  who  depart  from  the 
fear  of  God,  tormented  for  the  same 
time  that  they  enjoyed  their  false  delights 
and  pleasures  ?  He  answered  me  ;  They 
are  tormented  for  the  same  time. 

29  And  I  said  unto  him;  They  are 
then  tormente  1  hv.  little ;  v/hereas  they 
who  enjoy  their  p  .sures  so  as  to  forget 
God,  ought  to  e.idure  seven  times  as 
much  punishment. 

30  He  answered  me ;  Thou  art  fool- 
ish, neither  understandest  thou  the  effi- 
cacy of  this  punishment.  I  said  unto 
him  ;  Sir,  if  I  understood  it,  I  would  not 
desire  you  teil  me. 

31  Hearken,  said  he,  and  learn  what 
the  force  of  both  is,  both  of  the  pleasure 
and  of  the   punishment.     An   hour  of 


d  MS.  Liimb.   Succurrit  iis :   Greek  Athanas. 
ytvuiXKiiot.    e  MS.  Lamb.  Inquiris. 


pleasure  is  terminated  within  its  own 
space  :  but  one  hour  of  punishment  has 
the  efficacy  of  thirty  days.  ""Whosoever 
therefore  enjoys  his  false  pleasure  for  one 
day,  and  is  one  day  tormented  ;  that  one 
day  of  punishment  is  equivalent  to  a 
whole  year's  space. 

32  Thus  look  how  many  days  any 
one  pursues  his  pleasures,  so  many  years 
is  he  punished  for  it.  You  see  therefore, 
now  that  the  time  of  worldly  enjoyments 
is  but  short ;  but  that  of  pain  and  tor- 
ments, a  great  deal  more. 

33  I  replied ;  Sir,  forasmuch  as  I  do 
not  understand  sat  all  these  times  of 
pleasure  and  pain ;  I  intreat  you  that  you 
would  explain  yourself  more  clearly  con- 
cerning tnem.  He  answered  me,  say- 
ing ;  Thy  foolishness  still  sticks  unto 
thee. 

34  Shouldest  thou  not  rather  purify 
thy  mind,  and  serve  God  .'  Take  heed, 
lest  when  thy  time  is  fulfilled,  thou  be 
found  still  unwise.  Hear  then,  as  thou 
desirest,  that  thou  mayest  the  more  easily 
understand. 

35  He  that  gives  himself  up  one  day 
to  his  pleasures  and  delights,  and  does 
whatsoever  his  soul  desires,  is  full  of 
great  folly,  nor  understands  what  he  does, 
but  the  day  follov.'ing  forgets  what  he 
did  the  day  before. 

36  For  delight  and  worldly  pleasure 
are  not  kept  in  memory,  by  reason  of  the 
folly  that  is  rooted  in  them.  But  when 
pain  and  torment  befal  a  man  a  day,  he 
is  in  effect  troubled  the  whole  year  after; 
because  his  punishment  continues  firm  in 
his  memory. 

37  Wherefore  he  remembers  it  with 
sorrow  the  whole  year ;  and  then  calls 
to  mind  his  vain  pleasure  and  delight, 
and  perceives  that  for  the  sake  of  that  he 
was  punished. 

38  VVhosoever  therefore  have  deliv- 
ered themselves  over  to  such  pleasures, 
are  thus  punished ;  because  that  whep. 
they  had  life,  they  rendered  themselves 
liable  to  death. 

39  I  said  unto  him ;  Sir,  what  plea- 
sures are  hurtful.'  He  answered;  That 
is  pleasure  to  every  man  which  he  doth 
willingly. 

40  For  the  angry  man,  gratifying  his 
passion,  perceives  pleasure  in  it;  and  so 
the  adulterer,  and  drunkard ;  the  slan- 

f  Origen.  in  Num.  Horn.  viii.  s  MS.  Lamb.  Ora- 
Dino. 

157 


The  reperdanl  must  HI.  HERMAS. 


bring  forth  fruits 


derer,  and  ]iar ;  the  covetous  man,  and 
the  defrauder ;  and  whosoever  commits 
anything  like  unto  these,  because  he 
•>  followeth  his  evil  disposition,  he  re- 
ceives a  satisfaction  in  the  doing  of  it. 

41  All  these  pleasures  and  dehghts  are 
hurtful  to  the  servants  of  God.  For 
these  therefore  they  are  tormented  and 
suffer  punishment. 

42  There  are  also  pleasures  that  bring 
salvation  unto  men.  For  many,  when 
they  do  what  is  good,  find  pleasure  in  it, 
and  are  attracted  by  the  delights  of  it. 

43  Now  this  pleasure  is  profitable  to 
the  servants  of  God,  and  bnngs  life  to 
such  men :  but  those  hurtful  pleasures, 
which  were  before  mentioned,  bring  tor- 
ments and  punishment. 

44  And  whosoever  shall  continue  in 
them,  and  shall  not  repent  of  what  they 
have  done,  shall  bring  death  upon  them- 
selves. 

SIMILITUDE  VII. 

That  they  who  repent,  must  bring  forth  fruits  worthy 
of  repentance. 

AFTER  a  few  days  I  saw  the  same 
person  that  before  talked  with  me, 
in  the  same  field,  in  which  I  had  seen 
those  shepherds.  And  he  said  unto  me ; 
What  seekest  thou  ? 

2  Sir,  said  I,  I  came  to  intreat  you  that 
you  would  command  the  shepherd,  who 
is  the  minister  of  punishment,  to  depart 
out  of  my  house,  because  he  greatly  af- 
flicts me. 

3  And  he  answered,  It  is  necessary 
for  thee  to  endure  inconveniences  and 
vexations  ;  for  so  that  good  angel  hath 
commanded  concerning  thee,  because  he 
would  try  thee. 

4  Sir,  said  I ;  What  so  great  offence 
have  I  committed,  that  I  should  be  deliv- 
ered to  this  '  messenger  ?  Hearken,  said 
he :  Thou  art  indeed  guilty  of  many  sins, 
yet  not  so  many  that  thou  shouldest  be 
delivered  to  this  'messenger. 

5  But  thy  house  hath  committed  many 
sins  and  offences,  and  therefore  that  good 
'  messenger  being  grieved  at  their  doings, 
commanded  that  for  some  time  thou 
shouldest  suffer  affliction  ;  that  they  may 
both  repent  of  what  they  have  done,  and 
may  wash  themselves  from  all  the  lusts 
of  this  present  world. 

6  When  therefore  they  shall  have  re- 
pented, and  be  purified,  then  that  mes- 

li  Obeyeth  his  disease.     '  Angel. 

158 


senger  which  is  appointed  over  thy  pun- 
ishment, shall  depart  from  thee. 

7  I  said  unto  him  ;  Sir,  if  they  have 
behaved  themselves  so  as  to  anger  that 
good  angel,  yet  what  have  I  done  ?  He 
answered ;  They  cannot  otherwise  be  af- 
flicted, unless  thou,  who  art  the  head  of 
the  family,  suffer. 

8  For  whatsoever  thou  shalt  suffer, 
they  must  needs  feel  it :  but  as  long  as 
thon  shalt  stand  well  established,  they 
cannot  experience  any  v^ation. 

9  I  replied  ;  But,  Sir,  behold  they  also 
now  repent  with  all  their  hearts.  I 
know,  says  he,  that  they  repent  with  all 
their  hearts ;  but  dost  thou  therefore  think 
their  offences,  who  repent,  are  immedi- 
ately blotted  out .' 

10  No,  they  are  not  presently;  but  he 
that  repents  must  afllict  his  soul,  and 
shew  himself  humble  in  all  his  affairs, 
and  undergo  many  and  divers  vexations. 

11  And  when  he  shall  have  suffered 
all  things  that  were  appointed  for  him  ; 
then  perhaps  he  that  made  him,  and 
formed  all  things  besides,  will  be  moved 
with  compassion  towards  him,  and  afford 
him  some  remedy  ;  and  especially  if  he 
shall  perceive  his  heart,  who  repents,  to 
be  pure  from  every  evil  work. 

12  But  at  present  it  is  expedient  for 
thee,  and  for  thy  house,  to  be  grieved ; 
and  it  is  needful  that  thou  shouldest  en- 
dure much  vexation,  as  the  angel  of  the 
Lord  who  committed  thee  unto  me,  has 
commanded. 

1 3  Rather  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
that  knowing  what  was  to  come,  he 
thought  thee  worthy  to  whom  he  should 
foretel  that  trouble  was  coming  upon 
thee,  who  art  able  to  bear  it. 

14  I  said  unto  him  ;  Sir,  be  but  thou 
also  with  me,  and  I  shall  easily  undergo 
any  trouble.  1  will,  said  he,  be  with 
thee  ;  and  I  w^^^  entreat  the  messenger 
who  is  set  over  Jn'  punishment,  that  he 
would  moderate  his  afilictions  towards 
thee. 

1 5  And  moreover  thou  shalt  suffer  ad- 
versity but  for  a  little  time ;  and  then 
thou  shalt  again  be  restored  to  thy  former 
state  ;  only  continue  on  in  the  humility 
of  thy  mind. 

1 6  Obey  the  Lord  with  a  pure  heart ; 
thou,  and  thy  house,  and  thy  children; 
and  walk  in  the  commands  which  I  have 
delivered  unto  thee ;  and  then  thy  re- 
pentance may  be  firm  and  pure. 

17  And  if  "thou  shalt  keep  these  things 


Of  the  elect  III.  HERMAS. 


and  the  repentant," 


with    thy   house,   thy   inconveniencies 
shall  depart  from  thee. 

18  And  all  vexation  shall  in  like  man- 
ner depart  from  all  those,  whosoever 
shall  walk  according  to  these  commands. 

SIMILITUDE   VIII. 

That  there  are  many  kinds  of  elect  and  of  repenting 
sinners  :  and  how  all  of  them  shall  receive  a  re- 
ward proportionable  to  the  measure  of  their  re- 
pentance and  good  works. 

AGAIN  he  shewed  me  a  willow 
which  covered  the  lields  and  the 
mountains,  under  whose  shadow  came 
all  such  as  were  called  by  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

2  And  by  that  willow  stood  an  angel 
of  the  Lord  very  excellent  and  lofty  ^ 
and  did  cut  down  boughs  from  that  wil- 
low with  a  great  hook  ;  and  reached  out 
to  the  people  that  were  under  the  sha- 
dow of  that  willow  little  rods,  as  it  were 
about  a  foot  long. 

3  And  when  all  of  them  had  taken 
them,  he  laid  aside  his  hook,'  and  the 
tree  continued  entire,  as  I  had  before  seen 
it.  At  which  I  wondered,  and  mused 
within  myself. 

4  Then  that  shepherd  said  unto  me  ; 
Forbear  to  wonder  that  that  tree  contin- 
ues whole,  notwithstanding  so  many 
boughs  have  been  cut  off  from  it :  but 
stay  a  little,  for  now  it  shall  be  shewn 
thee,  what  that  angel  means,  who  gave 
those  rods  to  the  people. 

5  So  he  again  demanded  the  rods  of 
them  ;  and  in  the  same  order  that  every 
one  had  received  them,  was  he  called  to 
him,  and  restored  his  rod  ;  which  when 
he  had  received,  he  examined  them. 

6  From  some  he  received  them  dry 
and  rotten,  and  as  it  were  touched  with 
the  moth ;  those  he  commanded  to  be 
separated  from  the  rest,  and  placed  by 
themselves.  Others  gave  in  their  rods 
dry  indeed,  but  not  touched  with  the 
moth  ;  these  also  he  ordered  to  be  set  by 
themselves. 

7  Others  gave  in  their  rods  half  dry  ; 
these  also  Avere  set  apart.  Others  gave 
in  their  rods,  half  dry  and  cleft ;  these 
too  were  set  by  themselves.  Others 
brought  in  their  rods,  half  dry  and  half 
green,  and  these  were  in  like  manner 
placed  by  themselves. 

8  Others  delivered  up  their  rods  two 
parts  green,  and  the  third  dry  ;  and  they 
too   were   set  apart.      Others    brought 


their  rods  two  parts  dry,  and  the  thiid 
green ;  and  were  also  placed  by  them- 
selves. 

9  Others  delivered  up  their  rods  less 
dry,  (for  there  was  but  a  very  little,  to 
wit,  their  tops  dry)  but  they  had  clefts, 
and  these  were  set  in  like  manner  bj' 
themselves.  In  the  rods  of  others  there 
was  but  a  little  green,  and  the  rest  dry ; 
and  these  were  set  aside  by  themselves 

10  Others  came,  and  brought  theii 
rods  green  as  they  had  received  them, 
and  the  greatest  part  of  the  people 
brought  their  rods  thus ;  and  the  mes- 
senger greatly  rejoiced  at  these,  and  they 
also  were  put  apart  by  themselves. 

1 1  Others  brought  their  rods  not  only 
green,  but  full  of  branches ;  and  these, 
were  set  aside,  being  also  received  by 
the  angel  with  great  joy.  Others  brouglit 
their  rods  green  with  branches,  and  those 
also  some  fruit  upon  them. 

12  They  who  had  such  rods  were 
very  cheerful;  and  the  angel  himself 
took  great  joy  at  them ;  nor  was  the 
shepherd  that  stood  with  me,  less  pleased 
with  them. 

13  IT  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  com- 
manded crowns  to  be  brought :  and  the 
crowns  were  brought  made  of  palms  ; 
and  the  angel  crowned  those  men  in 
whose  rods  he  found  the  young  branches 
with  fruit ;  and  commanded  tnem  to  go 
into  the  tower. 

14  He  also  sent  those  into  the  tower, 
in  whose  rods  he  found  branches  with- 
out fruit,  giving  a  seal  unto  them.  For 
they  had  the  .same  garment,  that  is,  one 
white  as  snow  ;  with  which  he  bade 
them  go  into  the  tower.  And  so  he  did 
to  those  who  returned  their  rods  green  as 
they  received  them  ;  giving  them  a  white 
garment,  and  to  send  them  away  to  go 
into  the  tower. 

15  Having  done  this,  he  said  to  the 
shepherd  that  was  with  me,  I  go  my 
way ;  but  do  thou  send  these  within  the 
walls,  every  one  into  the  place  in  which 
he  has  deserved  to  dwell ;  examining 
first  their  rods,  but  examine  them  dili- 
gently that  no  one  deceive  thee.  But 
and  if  any  one  shall  escape  thee,  I  will 
try  them  upon  the  altar.  Having  said 
this  to  the  shepherd,  he  departed. 

16  After  he  was  gone,  the  shepherd 
said  unto  me ;  Let  us  take  the  rods  from 
them  all,  and  plant  them ;  if  perchance 
they  may  grow  green  again.      I   said 

159 


Of  the  elect 


III.  HERMAS. 


and  the  repentant. 


unto  him  ;  Sir,  how  can  those  dry  rods 
ever  grow  green  again  ? 

17  He  answered  me;  That  tree  is  a 
willow,  and  always  loves  to  live.  If 
therefore  these  rods  shall  be  planted,  and 
receive  a  little  moisture,  many  of  them 
will  recover  themselves. 

18  Wherefore  I  will  try  and  pour 
water  upon  them,  and  if  any  of  them  can 
live,  I  will  rejoice  with  him :  but  if  not 
at  lea.st  by  this  means  I  shall  be  found 
not  to  have  neglected  mj'  part. 

19  Then  he  commanded  me  to  call 
them ;  and  they  all  came  unto  him,  ev- 
ery one  in  the  rank  in  which  he  stood, 
and  gave  him  their  rods ;  which  having 
received  he  planted  every  one  of  them  in 
their  several  orders. 

20  And  after  he  had  planted  them  all, 
he  poured  much  water  upon  them,  inso- 
much that  they  were  covered  with  wa- 
ter, and  did  not  appear  above  it.  Then 
when  he  had  watered  them  he  said  unto 
me  ;  Let  us  depart,  and  after  a  little  time 
we  will  return  and  visit  them. 

21  For  he  who  created  this  tree  would 
have  all  those  live  that  received  rods 
from  it.  And  I  hope,  now  that  these 
rods  are  thus  watered,  many  of  them, 
receiving  in  the  moisture,  will  recover. 

22  IT  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  tell  me  what 
this  tree  denotes  .'  For  I  am  greatly  ''  as- 
tonished, that  after  so  many  branches 
have  been  cut  off,  it  seems  still  to  be 
whole ;  nor  does  there  any  thing  the 
less  of  it  appear  to  remain,  which  great- 
ly amazes  me. 

23  Pie  answered.  Hearken.  This  great 
tree  which  covers  the  plains  and  the 
mountains,  and  all  the  earth,  is  the  law 
of  God,  published  throughout  the  whole 
world . 

24  Now  '  this  law  is  the  Son  of  God, 
who  is  preached  to  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth.  The  people  that  stand  under  its 
shadow,  are  tho^e  which  have  heard  his 
preaching  and  believed. 

25  The  great  and  venerable  angel 
which  you  saw,  was  Michael,  who  has 
the  power  over  this  people,  and  governs 
them.  For  he  has  planted  the  law  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  have  believed  :  and 
therefore  he  visits  them  to  whom  he  has 
given  the  law,  to  see  if  they  have  kept  it. 

26  And  he  examines  every  one's  rod ; 
and  of  those,  many  that  are  weakened  : 

k  Moved.  1  MS.  Lamb.  Hsc  antera  lex  Filius 
Dei  est,  praedicatus,  &c.     Satisfied. 

160 


for  those  rods  are  the  law  of  the  Lord 
Then  he  discerns  those  who  have  not 
kept  the  law,  knowing  the  place  of  ev- 
ery one  of  them. 

27  I  said  unto  him,  Sir,  why  did  he 
send  away  some  to  the  tower,  and  left 
others  here  to  you  ?  He  replied,  those 
who  have  transgressed  the  law,  which 
they  received  from  him,  are  left  in  my 
power,  that  they  may  repent  of  their  .sins: 
but  they  who  fulfilled  the  law  and  kept 
it,  are  under  his  power. 

28  But  who  then,  said  I  are  those; 
who  went  into  the  tower  crowned  ?  He 
replied,  all  such  as  having  striven  with 
the  devil,  have  overcome  him,  are  crown- 
ed :  and  they  are  those  who  have  suffer- 
ed hard  things,  that  they  might  keep  the 
law. 

29  But  thejr  who  gave  up  their  rods 
green,  and  with  young  branches,  but 
without  fruit,  have  indeed  endured 
trouble  for  the  same  law,  but  have  not 
suffered  death  ;  neither  have  they  denied 
their  holy  law. 

30  They  who  delivered  up  their  rods 
green  as  they  received  them,  are  those 
who  were  modest  and  just,  and  have  liv- 
ed with  a  very  pure  mind,  and  kept  the 
commandments  of  God. 

31  The  rest  thou  shaft  know,  when  I 
shall  have  considered  those  rods  which 
I  have  planted  and  watered. 

32  IT  After  a  few  days  we  returned, 
and  in  the  same  place  stood  that  glorious 
angel,  and  I  stood  by  him.  Then  he 
said  unto  me  ;  Gird  thyself  with  a  m  tow- 
el and  serve  me. 

33  And  I  girded  my.self  with  a  clean 
towel,  which  was  made  of  coarse  cloth. 
And  when  he  saw  me  girded,  and  ready 
to  minisrer  unto  him,  he  said.  Call  those 
men  whose  rods  have  been  planted,  ev- 
ery one  in  his  order  as  they  gave  them. 

34  And  he  brought  me  into  the  field, 
and  I  called  them  all,  and  the}'  all  stood 
ready  in  their  several  ranks.  Then  he 
said  unto  them  ;  let  every  one  pluck  up 
his  rod,  and  bring  it  unto  me.  And  first 
they  delivered  tneirs,  whose  rods  had 
been  drj'  and  rotten. 

35  And  those  whose  rods  still  contin- 
ued so,  he  commanded  to  stand  apart. 
Then  they  came  whose  rods  had  been 
dry  but  not  rotten.  Some  of  these  de- 
livered in  their  rods  green ;  others  dry 


mSabano.  Vid.  Edit.  Oxoo.  p.  129.  not.  d. 


aniof 


III.  HERMAS. 


iheir  revxtrds. 


and  rotten,  as  if  they  had  been  touched 

by  the  moth. 

36  Those  who  gave  them  up  green, 
he  commanded  to  stand  apart  :  but  those 
whose  rods  were  dry  and  rotten,  he  caus- 
ed to  stand  with  the  first  sort.  Then 
came  they  whose  rods  had  been  half 
dry,  and  cleft  :  many  of  these  gave  up 
their  rods  green,  and  uncleft. 

37  Others  delivered  them  up  green  with 
branches,  and  fruit  upon  the  branches, 
like  unto  theirs  who  went  crowned  into 
the  tower.  Others  delivered  them  up 
dry,  but  not  rotten :  and  some  gave  them 
as  they  were  before,  half  dry,  and 
cleft. 

38  Every  one  of  these  he  ordered  to 
stand  apart ;  some  by  themselves,  oth- 
ers in  their  respective  ranks. 

39  Then  came  they  whose  rods  had 
been  green,  but  cleft.  These  delivered 
their  rods  altogether  green,  and  stood  in 
their  own  order.  And  the  shepherd  re- 
joiced at  these,  because  thev  were  all 
changed  and  free  from  their  clefts. 

40  Then  they  gave  in  their  rods,  who 
had  them  half  green  and  dry.  Of  these 
Bome  were  found  v.'holly  green,  others 
half  dry;  others  green,  with  young 
shoots,  And  all  these  were  sent  away, 
every  one  to  his  proper  rank. 

41  Then  they  gave  up  their  rods,  who 
had  them  before  two  parts  green,  and 
the  third  dry.  Many  of  these  gave 
in  their  rods  green ;  many  half  dry  ;  the 
rest  dry  but  not  rotten.  So  these  were 
sent  away,  each  to  his  proper  place. 

42  Then  came  they  who  had  before 
their  rods  two  parts  dry  and  the  third 
green  ;  many  of  these  delivered  up  their 
rods  half  dry,  others  dry  and  rotten ;  oth- 
ers half  dry  and  cleft ;  but  few  green. 
And  all  these  were  set  every  one  in  his 
own  rank. 

43  Then  they  reached  in  their  rods, 
0  in  which  there  was  before  but  a  little 
green,  and  the  rest  dry.  Their  rods  were 
for  the  most  part  found  green,  having 
little  boughs  with  fruit  upon  them  ;  and 
the  rest  altogether  green. 

44  And  the  shepherd  \ipon  sight  of 
these  rejoiced  exceedingly,  because  he 
had  found  them  thus :  and  they  also 
went  to  their  proper  orders. 

45  H  Now  after  he  had  examined  all 
their  rods,  he  said  unto  me,  I  told  thee 
that  this  tree  loved  life :  thou  seest  how 

B  MS.  Lamb,  Mioimum  babuerunt  vitide. 


many  have  repented,  and  attained  unto 
salvation.     Sir,  said  I,  I  see  it. 

46  That  thou  mightest  know,  saith  he, 
that  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Lord 
is  great,  and  to  be  had  in  honour;  who 
gave  his  spirit  to  them  that  were  found 
worthy  of  repentance. 

47  I  answered.  Sir,  why  then  did  not 
all  of  them  repent .'  He  replied,  those 
whose  mind  the  Lord  foresaw  would  be 
pure,  and  that  they  would  serve  him 
with  all  their  hearts,  to  them  he  gave  re. 
pentance. 

48  But  for  those  whose  deceit  and 
wickedness  he  beheld,  and  perceiv&d 
that  they  would  not  truly  return  unto 
him  ;  to  them  he  denied  any  return  unto 
repentance,  lest  they  should  again  blas- 
pheme his  law  with  wicked  words. 

49  I  said  unto  him. ;  Now,  Sir,  make 
known  unto  me  what  is  the  place  of  ev- 
ery one  of  those,  who  have  given  up 
their  rods,  and  what  their  °  portion ; 
that  when  they  who  have  not  kept  their 
seal  entire,  but  have  wasted  the  seal 
which  they  received,  shall  hear  and  be- 
lieve these  things,  they  may  acknowl- 
edge their  evil  deeds  and  repent ; 

50  And  receiving  again  their  seal  from 
you,  may  give  glory  to  God,  that  he  was 
moved  with  compassion  towards  them, 
and  sent  you  to  renew  their  spirits. 

51  Hearken,  said  he  :  they  whose  rods 
have  been  found  dry  and  rotten,  and  as  it 
were  touched  with  the  moth  ;  are  the  de- 
serters and  the  betrayers  of  the  church  ; 

52  Who  with  the  rest  of  their  cri.mes 
have  also  blasphemed  the  Lord,  and  de- 
nied his  name  which  had  been  called  up- 
on them.  Therefore  all  these  are  dead 
unto  God ;  and  thou  seest  that  none  of 
them  have  repented,  although  they  have 
heard  my  commands  which  Ihou  hast  de- 
livered unto  them.  From  these  men 
therefore  life  is  far  distant. 

53  They  also  who  have  delivered  up 
their  rods  dry,  but  not  rotten,  have  net 
been  far  from  them.  For  they  have  been 
counterfeits,  and  brought  in  evil  doc- 
trines ;  and  have  perverted  the  servants 
of  God;  but  especially  those  who  had 
sinned ;  but  not  suffering  them  to  return 
unto  repentance,  but  keeping  them  back 
by  their  false  doctrines. 

54  These  therefore  have  hope ;  and 
thou  seest  that  many  of  them  have  re- 
pented since  the  time  that  thou  hast  laid 


161 


Of  the  elect 


111.  HERMAS. 


and  the  repentant. 


my  commands  before  tliem ;  and  many 
more  will  yet  repent.  But  they  that  shall 
not  repent  shall  lose  both  repentance  and 
life. 

55  But  they  that  have  repented,  their 
place  is  begun  to  be  within  the  first 
walls,  and  some  of  them  are  even  gone 
into  the  tower.  Thou  seest  therefore, 
said  he,  that  in  the  repentance  of  sinners 
there  is  life  ;  but  that  for  those  who  re- 
pent not,  death  is  prepared. 

56  H  Hear  now  concerning  those  who 
gave  in  their  rods  half  dry,  and  full  of 
clefts.  They  whose  rods  were  only  half 
dry  are  the  doubtful ;  for  they  are  nei- 
ther living  nor  dead. 

57  But  they  who  delivered  in  their 
rods  not  only  half  dry,  but  also  full  of 
clefts,  are  both  doubtful  and  evil  speak- 
ers; who  detract  from  those  that  are  ab- 
sent, and  have  never  peace  among  them- 
selves, and  that  envy  one  another. 

58  Howbeit  to  these  also  repentance 
is  offered  ;  for  thou  seest  that  some  of 
these  have  repented. 

59  Now  all  those  of  this  kind  who 
have  quickly  repented,  shall  have  a  place 
in  the  tower ;  but  they  who  have  been 
more  slow  in  their  repentance,  shall 
dwell  within  the  walls:  but  they  that 
Bhall  not  repent,  but  shall  continue  on 
in  their  wicked  doings,  shall  die  the 
death. 

60  As  for  those  who  had  their  rods 
green,  but  yet  cleft ;  they  are  such  as 
were  always  faithful  and  good,  but  they 
had  some  envy  and  strife  among  them- 
selves concerning  dignity  and  pre-emi- 
nence. 

61  Now  all  such  are  vain  and  without 
understanding,  as  contend  with  one  an- 
other about  these  things. 

62  Nevertheless,  seeing  they  are  oth- 
erwise good,  if  when  they  shall  hear 
these  commands  they  shall  amend  them- 
selves, and  shall  at  my  persuasion  sud- 
denly repent;  they  shall  a:  last  dwell  in 
the  tower,  as  they  who  have  truly  and 
worthily  repented. 

63  But  if  any  one  shall  again  return 
to  his  dissension,  he  shall  be  shut  out 
from  the  tower,  and  shall  lose  his  life. 
For  the  life  of  those  who  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  consists  in  do- 
ing what  they  are  commanded  ;  not  in 
principality,  or  in  any  other  dignity. 

64  For  by  forbearance  and  humility 
of  mind,  men  shall  attain  unto  life  ;  but 
by  seditions,  and  contempt  of  the  law, 

163 


they  shall  purchase  death   unto  them- 
selves. 

65  IT  They  who  in  their  rods  had 
half  dry  and  half  green,  are  those  who 
are  engaged  in  many  affairs  of  the  world, 
and  are  not  joined  to  the  saints.  For 
AVhich  cause  half  of  them  liveth,  and 
half  is  dead. 

66  Wherefore  many  of  these  since  the 
time  that  they  have  heard  my  commands, 
have  repented  and  begun  to  dwell  in  the 
tower.  But  some  of  them  have  wholly 
fallen  away ;  to  these  there  is  no  more 
place  for  repentance. 

67  For  by  reason  of  their  present  in- 
terests, they  have  blasphemed  and  denied 
God  :  and  for  this  wickedness  they  have 
lost  life.  And  of  these  many  are  still 
in  doubt ;  these  may  yet  return  ;  and  if 
they  shall  quickly  repent,  they  shall 
have  a  place  in  the  tower ;  but  if  they 
shall  be  more  slow  they  shall  dwell 
within  the  walls  ;  but  if  they  shall  not 
repent  they  shall  die. 

68  As  for  those  who  had  two  parts  of 
their  rods  green,  and  the  third  dry  ;  they 
have  p  by  manifold  Ava3's  denied  the  Lord. 
Of  these  many  have  repented,  and  found 
a  place  in  the  tower  ;  and  many  have  al- 
together departed  from  God.  These  have 
utterly  lost  life. 

69  And  some  being  in  a  doubtful 
state,  have  raised,  up  dissensions :  these 
may  yet  return,  if  they  shall  suddenly  re- 
pent, and  not  continue  in  their  lusts  ;  but 
if  they  shall  continue  in  their  evil  doing 
they  shall  die. 

70  IT  They  who  gave  in  their  rods  two 
parts  dry,  and  the  other  green  ;  are  those 
who  have  indeed  been  faithful,  but  with- 
al rich  and  full  of  good  things ;  and 
thereupon  have  desired  to  be  famous 
among  the  heathen  which  are  without, 
and  have  thereby  fallen  into  great  pride, 
and  begun  to  aim  at  high  matters,  and  to 
forsake  the  truth : 

71  Nor  were  they  joined  to  the  saints, 
but  lived  with  the  heathen  ;  and  this  life 
seemed  the  more  pleasant  to  them.  How- 
beit they  have  not  departed  from  God, 
but  continued  in  the  faith  ;  only  they 
have  not  wrought  the  works  of  faith. 

72  Many  therefore, of  these  have  re- 
pented ;  and  begun  to  dwell  in  the  tow- 
er. Yet  others  still  living  among  the 
heathen  people,  and  being  lifted  up  with 
their  vanities  have  utterly  fallen  away 


p  Lamb.  MS.  Quamplurimis  generibus  inficiati. 


Of  the  mysteries 


III.  HERMAS. 


of  the  church. 


from  God,  and  followed  the  works  and 
wickedness  of  the  heathen.  These  kind 
of  men  therefore  are  reckoned  among 
strangers  to  the  Gospel. 

73  Others  of  these  began  to  be  doubt- 
ful in  their  minds  ;  despairing  by  reason 
of  their  wicked  doings  ever  to  attain  un- 
to salvation.  Others  being  thus  made 
doubtful,  did  moreover  stir  up  dissen- 
sions. 

74  To  these  therefore,  and  to  those 
who  by  reason  of  their  doings  are  be- 
come doubtful,  there  is  still  hopes  of  re- 
turn;  but  they  must  repent  quickly,  that 
their  place  may  be  in  the  tower.  But 
they  that  repent  not  but  continue  still 
in  their  pleasures,  are  nigh  unto  death. 

75  IT  As  for  those  who  gave  in  their 
rods  green,  excepting  their  tops  which 
only  were  dry,  and  had  clefts;  these 
were  always  good  and  faithful,  and  ^  rip- 
light  before  God  :  nevertheless  they  sin- 
ned a  little,  by  reason  of  their  empty 
pleasures  and  tiitiing  thoughts  which 
they  had  within  themselves. 

76  Wherefore  many  of  them,  when 
they  heard  my  words,  repented  forth- 
with ;  and  began  to  dwell  in  the  tower. 
Nevertheless  some  grew  doubtful,  and 
others  to  their  doubttul  minds  added  dis- 
sensions. To  these  therefore  there  is  still 
hope  of  return,  because  they  were  always 
good ;  but  they  shall  hardly  be  moved. 

77  As  for  those,  lastly,  who  gave  in 
their  rods  dry,  their  tops  only  excepted, 
which  alone  were  green  ,  they  are  such 
as  have  believed  indeed  in  God,  but  have 
lived  in  wickedness ;  yet  without  de- 
parting from  God .  havin»  always  wil- 
lingly borne  the  name  of  trie  Lord  ;  and 
readily  received  into  their  houses  the  ser- 
vants of  God. 

78  Wherefore  hearing  these  things 
they  returned,  and  without  delay  repent- 
ed, and  lived  in  all  righteousness.  And 
some  of  them  suffered  death ;  others 
readily  underwent  many  trials,  being 
mindful  of  their  evil  doings. 

79  IT  And  when  he  had  ended  his  ex- 
plications of  all  the  rods,  he  said  unto 
me.  Go,  and  say  unto  all  men  that  they 
repent,  and  they  shall  live  unto  God : 
because  the  Lord  being  moved  with  great 
clemency  hath  sent  me  to  preach  repent- 
ance unto  all. 

80  Even  unto  those  who  by  reason  of 
their  evil  doings,  deserve  not  to  attain 

q  Probi. 


unto  salvation.  But  the  Lord  will  be 
patient,  and  keep  the  invitation  that  was 
made  by  his  Son. 

81  I  said  unto  him.  Sir,  I  hope  that 
all  when  they  shall  hear  these  things 
will  repeat.  For  I  trust  that  every  one 
acknowledging  his  crimes,  and  taking  up 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  will  return  unto  re- 
pentance. 

82  He  said  unto  me  Whosoever  shall 
repent  with  all  their  hearts,  and  cleanse 
themselves  from  all  the  evils  that  I  have 
before  mentioned,  and  not  add  anything 
more  to  their  sins,  shall  receive  from  the 
Lord  the  cure  of  their  former  iniquities, 
if  they  shall  not  make  any  doubt  of  these 
commands,  and  shall  live  unto  God. 

83  But  they  that  shall  continue  to  add 
to  their  transgressions,  and  .shall  still 
converse  with  the  lusts  of  this  present 
world,  shall  condemn  themselves  unto 
death.  But  do  thou  walk  in  these  com- 
mands, and  thou  shalt  live  unto  God  : 
and  whosoever  shall  walk  in  these,  and 
exercise  them  rightly,  shall  live  unto  God. 

84  And  having  shewed  me  all  these 
things,  he  said  ;  I  will  shew  thee  the  rest 
in  a  few  days. 

SIMILITUDE  IX. 

Tlie  greatest  mysteries  of  the  militant  and  triumph- 
ant church  whicli  is  to  be  built. 

AFTER  I  had  written  the  Commands 
and  Similitudes  of  the  Shepherd,  the 
the  Angel  of  Repentance  ;  he  came  unto 
me,  and  said  to  me,  I  will  shew  the  all 
those  things  which  the  »■  Spirit  spake 
with  thee  under  the  figure  of  the  church. 
For  that  Spirit  is  the  Son  of  God. 

2  And  because  thou  wert  weak  in 
body,  it  was  not  declared  unto  thee  by 
the  angel,  until  thou  wert  strengthened 
by  the  Spirit,  and  increased  in  force,  that 
thou  mightest  also  see  the  angel. 

3  For  then  indeed  the  building  of  the 
tower  was  very  well  and  gloriously 
shewn  unto  thee  by  the  church  ;  never- 
theless thou  sawest  all  things  shewn  un- 
to thee  as  it  were  by  a  virgin. 

4  But  now  thou  art  enlightened  by 
the  angel,  but  yet  by  the  same  Spirit. 
But  thou  must  consider  all  things  dili- 
gently ;  for  therefore  am  I  sent  into  thine 
nouse  by  that  venerable  ^messenger,  that 
when  thou  shalt  have  ssen  all  things 
powerfully,  thou  mayest  not  be  afraid  as 
before. 


r  Bee  above,  Book  I. 


•  Angol. 

163 


OftTie  mysteries 


III.  HERMAS. 


of  th>.  church 


5  And  he  led  me  to  the  « height  of  a 
mountain  of  Arcadia,  and  we  sat  upon 
its  top.  And  he  shewed  me  a  great 
plain,  and  about  it  twelve  mountains  in 
different  figures. 

6  The  first  was  black  as  soot.  The 
second  was  smooth,  without  herbs.  The 
third  was  full  of  thorns  and  thistles. 
The  fourth  had  herbs  half  dried;  of 
which  the  upper  part  was  green,  but  that 
next  the  root  was  dry  ;  and  some  of  the 
herbs  when  the  sun  grew  hot,  were  dry. 

7  The  fifth  mountain  was  very  rug- 
ged: but  yet  had  green  herbs.  The 
sixth  mountain  was  full  of  clefts,  some 
lesser  and  some  greater ;  and  in  those 
clefts  grew  grass,  not  flourishing,  but 
which  seemed  to  be  withering. 

8  The  seventh  mountain  had  a  de- 
lightful pasture,  and  was  wholly  fruit- 
ful ;  and  all  kinds  of  cattle,  and  of  the 
birds  of  heaven,  fed  upon  it  ;  and  the 
more  they  fed  upon  it,  the  more  and  bet- 
ter did  the  grass  grow. 

9  The  eighth  mountain  was  full  of 
fountains,  and  from  those  fountains  were 
watered  all  kinds  of  the  creatures  of 
God.  The  ninth  mountain  had  no  water 
at  all,  but  was  wholly  destitute  of  it; 
and  nourished  deadly  serpents  and  de- 
structive to  men. 

10  The  tenth  mountain  was  full  of 
tall  trees,  and  altogether  shady  ;  and  un- 
der the  shade  of  them  lay  cattle  resting 
and  chewing  the  cud. 

11  The  eleventh  mountain  was  full  of 
the  thickest  trees  ;  and  those  trees  seem- 
ed to  be  loaded  with  several  sorts  of 
fi'uits ;  that  whosoever  saw  them  could 
not  choose  but  desire  to  eat  of  their  fruit. 

12  The  twelfth  mountain  was  alto- 
gether white,  and  of  a  most  pleasant  as- 
pect, and  itself  gave  a  most  excellent 
Deauty  to  itself. 

13  ^  In  the  middle  of  the  "plain  he 
showed  me  a  huge  white  rock  which 
rose  out  of  the  plain,  and  the  rock  was 
higher  than  those  mountains,  and  was 
square ;  so  that  it  seemed  capable  of 
supporting  the  whole  world. 

14  It  looked  to  be  old,  yet  had  in  it  a 
new  gate,  which  seemed  to  have  been 
newly  hewn  out  in  it.  Now  that  gate 
was  bright  beyond  the  sun  itself  ;  inso- 
much, that  I  greatly  admired  at  its  light. 

15  About  that  gate  stood  twelve  vir- 
gins ;  of  which  four  that  stood  at  the 


corners  of  the  gate,  seemed  to  me  to  be 
the  chiefest,  although  the  rest  also  were 
of  worth :  and  they  stood  in  the  four 
parts  of  the  gate. 

16  It  added  also  to  the  grace  of  those 
virgins,  that  they  stood  in  pairs,  clothed 
with  linen  garments,  and  decently  gird- 
ed, their  right  arms  being  at  liberty,  as 
if  they  were  about  to  lift  up  some  "  bur- 
den :  for  so  they  were  adorned,  and 
were  exceeding  cheerful  and  ready. 

17  When  I  saw  this,  I  wondered  with 
myself  to  see  such  great  and  noble 
things,  And  again  I  admired  upon  the 
account  of  those  virgins,  that  they  Avere 
so  handsome  and  delicate ;  and  stood 
with  such  firmness  and  constancy,  as  if 
they  would  carry  the  whole  heaven. 

18  And  as  I  was  thinking  thus  with- 
in myself,  the  shepherd  said  unto  me, 
what  thinkcst  thou  within  thyself,  and 
art  disquieted,  and  fillest  thyself  with 
care .' 

19  Do  not  seem  to  consider,  as  if  thou 
wert  wise,  what  thou  dost  not  under- 
stand, but  pray  unto  the  Lord,  that  thou 
mayest  liave  ability  to  understand  it : 
what  is  to  come  thou  canst  not  under- 
stand, but  thou  seest  that  which  is  be- 
fore thee. 

20  Be  not  therefore  disquieted  at 
those  things  which  thou  canst  not  see  ; 
but  get  the  understanding  of  those 
which  thou  seest. 

21  Forbear  to  be  curious,  and  1  will 
shew  thee  all  tilings  that  I  ought  to  de- 
clare unto  thee  :  but  first  consiaer  what 
yet  remains. 

22  IT  And  when  he  had  said  this  unto 
me  I  looked  up,  and  behold  I  saw  six 
tall  and  venerable  men  coming ;  their 
countenances  were  all  alike  ;  and  they 
called  a  certain  multitude  of  men ;  and 
they  who  came  at  their  call  were  also 
tall  and  stout. 

23  And  those  six  commanded  them 
to  build  a  certain  towex  over  that  gate, 
and  immediately  there  began  to  be  a  great 
noise  of  those  men  running  here  and 
there  about  the  gate,  who  were  coming 
together  to  build  the  tower. 

24  But  tliose  virgins  which  stood 
about  the  gate  perceived  that  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower  was  to  be  hastened  by 
them.  And  they  stretched  out  their 
hands,  as  if  they  were  to  receive  some- 
what from  them  to  do. 


♦  Ascent.      "Origen.  Horn.  iii.  in  Ezech. 

164 


T  Fascem  aliquem. 


TTiiUtarU  and 


III.  HERMAS. 


triumphant 


25  Then  those  six  men  commanded, 
that  they  should  lift  up  stones  out  of  a 
certain  deep  place,  and  prepare  them  for 
the  building  of  the  tower.  And  there 
"were  lifted  up  ten  white  stones,  square, 
and  "'  not  cut  round. 

26  Then  those  six  men  called  the 
virgins  to  them,  and  commanded  them  to 
carry  all  the  stones  that  were  to  be  put 
into  the  building ;  and  having  carried 
them  through  the  gate,  to  deliver  them 
to  those  that  were  about  to  build  that 
tower. 

27  Immediately  the  virgins  began  all 
of  them  together  to  lift  up  those  stones 
that  M'ere  before  taken  out  of  the  deep. 

28  H  And  they  also  who  stood  about 
the  gate  did  carry  stones  in  such  a  man- 
ner, that  those  stones  which  seemed  to 
be  the  strongest  were  laid  at  the  corners, 
the  rest  were  put  into  the  sides; 

29  And  thus  they  carried  all  the 
stones,  and  bringing  them  through  the 
gate,  delivered  them  to  the  builders,  as 
they  had  been  commanded  :  who  receiv- 
ing them  at  their  hands,  built  with  them. 

30  But  this  building  was  made  upon 
that  great  rock,  and  over  the  gate  ;  and 
by  these  the  whole  tower  was  supported. 
But  the  building  of  the  ten  stones  filled 
the  whole  gate,  which  began  to  be  made 
for  the  foundation  of  that  tower. 

31  After  those  ten  stones  did  five  and 
twenty  others  "  rise  up  out  of  the  deep  ; 
and  these  were  placed  in  the  building  of 
the  same  tower ;  being  lifted  up  by 
those  virgins,  as  the  others  had  been 
before. 

32  After  these  did  five  and  thirty 
others  "rise  up;  aJso  in  like  manner  fit- 
ted into  the  same  work.  Then  forty 
other  stones  were  brought  up,  and  all 
these  were  added  unto  the  building  of 
that  tower. 

33  So  there  began  to  be  four  ranks  in 
the  foundation  of  that  tower ;  and  the 
stones  ceased  to  ^  rise  out  of  the  deep  ; 
and  they  also  which  built  rested  a  little. 

34  Again  those  six  men  commanded 
the  multitude,  that  they  should  bring 
stones  out  of  those  twelve  mountains  to 
the  building  of  the  same  tower. 

35  So  they  cut  out  of  all  the  moun- 
tains stones  of  divers  colours,  and 
brought  them,  and  gave  them  to  the  vir- 
gins ;    which  when  they  had   received 


'"  So  Cotelerius  in  loc.      ^  MS.  Lamb.    Asceiide- 
runt. 


they  carried  them,  and   delivered  them 
into  the  building  of  the  tower. 

36  In  which  when  they  were  buill 
they  became  white,  and  different  from 
what  they  were  before ;  for  they  were 
all  alike,  and  did  change  their  former 
colours.  And  some  were  reached  up  by 
the  men  themselves,  which  when  they 
came  into  the  building,  continued  such 
as  they  were  put  in. 

37  These  neither  became  white,  nor 
different  from  what  they  were  before ; 
because  they  were  not  carried  by  the 
virgins  through  the  gate.  Wherefore 
these  stones  were  disagreeable  in  the 
building ;  which  when  those  six  men 
perceived,  they  commanded  them  to  be 
removed,  and  put  again  in  the  place  from 
which  they  were  brought. 

38  And  they  said  to  those  who 
brought  those  stones.  Do  not  ye  reach 
up  to  us  any  stones  for  this  building, 
but  lay  them  down  by  the  tower,  that 
these  virgins  may  carry  them  and  reach 
them  to  us. 

39  For  unless  they  shall  be  carried  by 
these  virgins  through  this  gate,  they  can- 
not change  their  colours :  therefore  do 
not  labour  in  vain. 

40  IT  So  the  building  that  day  was 
done,  howbeitthe  tower  was  not  finish- 
ed ;  for  it  was  afterwards  to  be  built, 
therefore  now  also  there  was  some  delay 
made  of  it. 

41  And  these  six  men  commanded 
those  that  built  to  depart,  and  as  it  were 
to  rest  for  some  time  ;  but  they  ordered 
those  virgins  that  they  should  not  depart 
from  the  tower ;  now  they  seemed  to  me 
to  be  left  for  the  guarding  of  it. 

42  When  all  were  departed,  I  said 
unto  that  shepherd,  Sir,  why  is  not  the 
building  of  the  tower  finished  .'  Because 
it  cannot,  said  he,  be  finished  until  its 
Lord  comes  and  approves  of  the  build- 
ing ;  that  if  he  shall  find  any  stones  in  it 
that  are  not  good  they  may  be  changed  ; 
for  this  tower  is  built  according  to  his 
will. 

43  Sir,  said  I,  I  would  know,  what 
the  building  of  this  tower  signifies ;  as 
also  I  would  be  informed  concerning  this 
rock,  and  this  gate, 

44  And  concerning  the  mountains, 
and  the  virgins,  and  the  stones  that  did 
rise  out  of  the  deen,  and  were  not  cut, 
but  put  into  the  building  just  as  they 
came  forth ;  and  why  the   ten   atones 

165 


III.  HERMAS. 


Oftlie  mysteries 

were   first  laid  in  the  foundation  ;  then  1 
the  twenty-five;  then  thirty-five;  then 
forty  ? 

45  Also  concerning  those  stones  that 
were  put  into  the  building,  and  again 
taken  out,  and  carried  back  into  their 
place  !  Fulfil,  I  pray,  the  desire  of  my 
soul  as  to  all  these  things,  and  manifest 
all  unto  me. 

46  And  he  said  unto  me,  If  thou  shalt 
not  be  dull,  thou  shalt  know  all,  and 
shalt  see  all  the  other  things  that  are 
about  to  happen  in  this  tower;  and  shalt 
understand  diligently  all  these  simili- 
tudes. 

47  And  after  a  few  days  we  came 
into  the  same  place  where  we  had  sat 
before ;  and  he  said  unto  me.  Let  us  go 
unto  the  tower ;  for  the  Lord  of  it  will 
come  and  e.vamine  it. 

48  So  we  came  thither,  and  found 
none  but  those  virgins  there.  And  he 
asked  them,  whether  the  Lord  of  that 
tower  was  come  thither  ?  And  they  re- 
plied that  he  would  be  there  presently, 
to  examine  the  building. 

49  t  After  a  very  little  while  1  saw  a 
great  multitude  of  men  coming,  and  in 
the  middle  of  them  a  man  so  tali,  that 
he  surpassed  the  tower  in  y  height. 

50  About  him  were  those  six,  who 
before  commanded  in  the  building,  and 
all  the  rest  of  those  who  had  built  that 
tower,  and  many  others  of  great  dignity  : 
and  the  virgins  that  kept  the  tower  ran 
to  meet  him,  and  kissed  him,  and  began 
to  walk  near  unto  him. 

51  But  he  examined  the  building  with 
so  much  care  that  he  handled  every 
stone  ;  and  struck  every  one  with  a  rod 
which  he  held  in  his  hand  : 

52  Of  which  some  being  so  struck 
turned  black  as  soot ;  others  were  rough  ; 
some  looked  as  if  they  had  cracks  in 
them ;  others  seemed  maimed  ;  some  nei- 
ther black  nor  while  ;  some  looked  sharp, 
and  agreed  not  with  the  other  stones, 
and  otners  were  full  of  spots. 

53  These  were  the  several  kinds  of 
those  stones  which  were  not  found  pro- 
per in  the  building :  all  which  the  Lord 
commanded  to  be  taken  out  of  the  tower, 
and  laid  near  it,  and  other  stones  to  be 
brought,  and  put  in  their  places. 

54  And  they  that  built,  asked  him 
from  which  of  the  mountains  he  would 
have  stones  brought  to  put  in  the  place 


of  the  church 


7  Greatness, 


of  those  that  were  laid  aside.  But  he 
forbade  them  to  bring  any  from  the  moun- 
tains, and  commanded  that  they  should 
take  them  out  of  a  certain  field  that  was 
near. 

55  So  they  digged  in  that  field  and 
found  many  bright  square  stones,  and 
some  also  that  were  round.  Howbeit, 
all  that  were  found  in  that  field  were 
taken  away,  and  carried  through  the  gate 
by  those  virgins :  and  tho.se  of  them  that 
were  square  were  fitted  and  put  into  the 
places  of  those  that  were  pulled  out. 

56  But  the  round  ones  were  not  put 
mto  the  building,  because  they  were  hard, 
and  it  would  have  required  too  much 
time  to  cut  them  ;  but  they  were  placed 
about  the  tower,  as  if  they  .should  here- 
after be  cut  square,  and  put  into  the 
building ;  for  they  were  very  white. 

57  IT  When  he  who  was  chief  in  dig- 
nity and  the  lord  of  the  whole  tower,  saw 
this,  he  called  to  him  the  shepherd  that 
was  with  me,  and  gave  him  the  stones 
that  were  rejected  and  laid  about  the  tow- 
er, and  said  unto  him ;  cleanse  these 
stones  with  all  care,  and  fit  them  into  the 
building  of  the  tower,  that  they  may  agree 
with  the  rest;  bnt  those  that  will  not 
suit  with  the  rest,  cast  away  afar  off  from 
the  tower. 

58  When  he  had  thus  commanded 
him,  he  departed,  with  all  those  that 
came  with  him  to  the  tower  :  but  those 
virgins  still  stood  about  the  tower  to 
keep  it. 

59  And  I  said  unto  that  shepherd. 
How  can  these  stones,  seeing  they  have 
been  rejected  return  into  the  building  of 
this  tower.'  He  replied,  I  will  cut  off' 
the  greatest  part  from  these  stones,  and 
will  add  them  to  the  building,  and  they 
will  agree  with  the  rest. 

60  And  I  said,  Sir,  how  will  they  be 
able  to  fill  the  same  place,  when  they 
shall  be  so  much  cut  awaj- .'  He  an- 
swered. They  that  shall  be  found  too  lit- 
tle shall  be  put  into  the  middle  of  the 
building,  and  the  greater  shall  be  placed 
without,  and  keep  them  in. 

61  When  he  had  said  thus  unto  me, 
he  added.  Let  us  go,  and  after  three  days 
we  will  return,  and  I  will  put  these 
stones,  being  cleansed,  into  the  tower. 

62  For  all  these  that  are  about  the 
tower,  must  be  cleansed,  lest  the  master 
of  the  house  chance  to  come  upon  the 
sudden,  and  find  those  which  are  about 


166 


militant  and 


III.  HERMAS. 


triumphant. 


the  tower  unclean  ;  «  and  be  so  exasper- 
ated that  these  stones  should  never  be 
put  into  the  building  of  this  tower,  and  I 
shall  be  looked  upon  to  have  been  *  un- 
mindful of  my  master's  commands. 

63  When  therefore  we  came  after 
three  days  to  the  tower,  he  said  unto  me, 
Let  us  examine  all  those  stones,  and  let 
us  see  which  of  them  may  go  into  the 
building.     I  answered,  Sir,  let  us  see. 

64  IT  And  finst  of  all  we  begun  to  con- 
sider those  which  had  been  black  ;  for 
they  were  found  just  such  as  they  were 
when  they  were  pulled  out  of  the  tower: 
wherefore  he  commanded  them  to  be  re- 
moved from  the  tower,  and  put  by  them- 
selves. 

65  Then  he  examined  those  which 
had  been  rough,  and  commanded  many 
of  those  to  be  cut  round,  and  to  be  litted 
by  the  virgins  into  the  building  of  the 
tower:  so  they  took  them,  and  litted 
them  into  the  middle  of  the  building  ;  and 
he  commanded  the  rest  to  be  laid  by  with 
the  black  ones,  for  they  also  were  become 
black. 

66  Ne.xt  he  considered  those  which 
were  full  of  cracks,  and  many  of  those 
also  he  ordered  to  be  pared  away,  and  so 
to  be  added  to  the  rest  of  the  building,  by 
the  same  virgins. 

67  These  were  placed  without,  be- 
cause they  were  found  entire  ;  but  the 
residue  through  the  multitude  of  their 
cracks  could  not  be  reformed,  and  there- 
fore were  cast  away  from  the  building  of 
the  tower. 

68  Then  he  considered  those  that  had 
been  maimed  ;  many  of  these  had  cracks 
and  were  become  black ;  others  had 
large  clefts  :  these  he  commanded  to  be 
placed  with  those  that  were  rejected. 

59  But  the  rest  being  cleansed  and  re- 
formed, he  commanded  to  be  put  into  the 
building.  These  therefore,  those  virgins 
took  up,  and  fitted  into  the  middle  of  the 
building,  because  they  were  but  weak. 

70  Aftsr  these  he  examined  those 
which  were  found  half  white  and  half 
black ;  and  many  of  those  were  now 
black :  these  also  he  ordered  to  be  laid 
among  those  that  were  cast  away. 

71  The  rest  were  found  altogether 
white  ;  those  were  taken  up  by  the  vir- 
gins, and  fitted  into  the  same  tower  ;  ^  and 


t  MS.  Lamb.  Ita  Exasperetur,  ut  hi  lapides. 
»  MS.  Lamb.  Negligens  patris-familias.  bVid.  MS. 
Lamb.  Edit.  Oxon.  p.  157. 


these  were  put  in  the  outside,  because 
they  were  found  entire ;  that  so  they 
might  keep  in  those  that  were  placed  in 
the  middle,  for  nothing  was  cut  off  from 
them. 

72  Next  he  looked  upon  those  ■=  which 
had  been  hard  and  sharp ;  but  few  of 
these  were  made  use  of,  because  they 
could  not  be  cut,  for  they  were  found 
very  hard :  but  they  rest  were  formed, 
and  fitted  by  the  virgins  into  the  middle 
of  the  building,  because  they  were  more 
weak. 

73  Then  he  considered  those  which 
had  spots ;  of  these  a  few  were  found 
black,  and  these  were  carried  to  their  fel- 
lows. These  rest  where  white  and  en- 
tire ;  and  they  were  litted  by  the  virgins 
into  the  building,  and  placed  in  the  out- 
side, by  reason  of  their  strength. 

74  IT  After  this  he  came  to  consider 
those  stones  which  were  white  and 
round  ;  and  he  said  unto  me.  What  shall 
we  do  with  these  stones  .'  I  anssvered. 
Sir,  I  cannot  tell. 

75  He  replied,  Canst  thou  think  of  no- 
thing then  for  these  .'  I  answered,  Sir,  I 
understand  not  this  art ;  neither  am  I  a 
stone-cutter,  nor  can  I  tell  any  thing. 

76  And  he  said,  Seest  thou  not  that 
they  are  very  round .'  Now  to  make 
them  square,  1  mu.st  cut  off  a  great  deal 
from  them  ;  howbeit,  it  is  necessary  that 
some  of  these  should  go  into  the  building 
of  the  tower. 

77  I  answered ;  If  it  be  necessary,  why 
do  you  perplex  yourself,  and  not  rather 
choose,  if  you  have  any  choice  among 
them,  and  fit  them  into  the  building  ? 

78  Upon  this  he  choose  out  the  larg- 
est and  brightest,  and  squared  them ; 
which,  when  he  had  done,  the  virgins 
took  them  up,  and  placed  them  in  the 
outside  of  the  building. 

79  And  the  rest  tliat  remained,  were 
carried  back  into  the  same  field  from 
which  Ihey  were  taken  :  howbeit,  they 
were  not  cast  away ;  because,  said  he, 
there  is  yet  a  little  wanting  to  this  tower, 
which  is  to  be  built ;  and  perhaps  the 
Lord  will  have  these  stones  fitted  into 
this  building,  because  they  are  exceeding 
white. 

80  Then  were  there  called  twelve  very 
stately  woman,  clothed  with  a  black  gar- 
ment, girded,  and  their  shoulders  free. 


•  MS.  Lamb.  Fuerant. 


167 


Of  the  mysteries 


III.  HERMAS. 


(flhe  church 


and  their  hair  loose.     These  seemed  lo 
be  country-women. 

81  And  the  shepherd  commanded  them 
to  take  up  those  stones  vehich  were  cast 
out  of  the  building,  and  carry  them  back 
to  the  mountains  out  of  which  they  were 
taken. 

82  And  they  took  them  all  up  joyfully, 
and  carried  them  back  to  their  places 
from  whence  they  had  been  taken. 

83  When  not  one  stone  remained  about 
the  tower,  he  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go 
about  this  tower,  and  see  whether  any 
thing  be  wanting  to  it. 

84  We  began  therefore  to  go  round 
about  it ;  and  when  he  .saw  that  it  was 
handsomely  built,  he  began  to  be  very 
glad :  for  it  was  so  beautifully  framed, 
that  any  one  that  had  seen  it  must  have 
been  in  love  with  the  building  : 

85  For  it  seemed  to  be  all  but  one 
stone,  nor  did  a  joint  any  where  appear ; 
but  it  looked  as  if  it  heid  all  been  cut  out 
of  one  rock. 

86  H  And  when  I  diligently  consider- 
ed what  a  tower  it  was,  I  was  extreme- 
ly pleased  :  and  he  said  unto  me.  Bring 
hither  some  lime  and  little  shells,  that  I 
may  till  up  the  ^  spaces  of  those  stones 
that  were  taken  out  of  the  building,  and 
put  in  again  ;  for  all  things  about  the 
tower  must  be  made  even. 

87  And  I  did  as  he  commanded  me, 
and  brought  them  unto  him  :  and  he  said 
unto  me,  Be  ready  to  help  me,  and  this 
work  will  quickly  be  finished. 

88  He  therefore  filled  up  the  spaces  of 
those  stones,  and  commanded  the  place 
about  the  tower  to  be  cleansed. 

89  Then  those  virgins  took  besoms, 
and  cleansed  all  the  place  around,  and 
took  away  all  the  rubbish,  and  threw  on 
water,  which  being  done  the  plaoe  became 
delightful,  and  the  tower  beauteous. 

90  Then  he  said  unto  me,  All  is  noAV 
clean:  if  the  Lord  should  come  to  finish 
the  tower,  he  will  find  nothing  whereby 
to  complain  of  us. 

91  When  he  had  said  this  he  would 
have  departed.  But  I  laid  hold  on  his 
bag,  and  began  to  entreat  him  for  the 
Lord's  sake,  that  he  would  explain  to  me 
all  tilings  that  he  had  shewn  me. 

92  He  said  unto  me,  I  have  at  pre.5ent 
a  little  business:  but  I  will  suddenly  ex- 
plain all  things  unto  thee.  Tarry  here 
tor  me  till  I  come. 


168 


<1  Forraas,  Lat. 


93  1  said  unto  him.  Sir,  what  shall  I 
do  here  alone .'  He  answered.  Thou  art 
not  alone,  seeing  all  those  virgins  are 
with  thee. 

94  I  said.  Sir,  deliver  me  then  unto 
them.  Then  he  called  them,  and  said 
unto  them,  I  commend  this  man  unto  you 
till  I  shall  come. 

95  So  1  remained  with  those  virgins : 
now  they  were  cheerful  and  courteous 
unto  me ;  especially  the  four,  v.-hich 
seemed  to  be  the  chiefest  among  them. 

96  V  Then  those  virgins  said  unto  me, 
that  shepherd  will  not  return  hither  to- 
day. I  said  unto  them.  What  then  shall 
I  do.'  They  answered.  Tarry  for  him 
till  the  evening,  if  perhaps  he  may  come 
and  speak  with  thee ;  but  if  not,  yet  thou 
shalt  continue  with  us  till  he  does  come. 

97  I  said  unto  them,  I  will  tarry  for 
him  till  evening  ;  but  if  he  comes  not  by 
that  time,  I  will  go  home,  and  return 
hither  again  the  next  morning. 

98  They  answered  me.  Thou  art  de- 
livered unto  us,  thou  mayest  not  depart 
from  us.     I  said.  Where  shall  I  tarry .' 

99  They  replied.  Thou  shalt  sleep  with 
us  as  a  brother,  not  as  a  husband :  for 
thou  art  our  brother,  and  we  are  ready 
from  henceforth  to  dwell  with  thee ;  for 
thou  art  very  dear  to  us. 

100  Howbeit  I  v.-as  ashamed  to  con- 
tinue with  them.  But  she  that  seemed 
to  be  the  chiefest  among  them,  embraced 
me,  and  began  to  kiss  me.  And  the  rest 
when  they  saw  that  I  was  kissed  by  her, 
began  also  to  kiss  me  as  a  brother ;  and  led 
me  about  the  tower,  and  played  with  me. 

101  Some  of  them  also  sung  psalms, 
others  made  up  the  chorus  with  them. 
But  I  walked  about  the  tower  with  them, 
rejoicing  silently,  and  seeming  to  myself 
to  be  grown  young  again. 

102  When  the  evening  came  on,  I 
would  forthwith  have  gone  home,  but 
they  wiihheld  me,  and  suffered  me  not  to 
depart.  Wherefore  I  continued  with  them 
that  night  near  the  same  tower. 

103  So  they  spread  their  linen  garments 
upon  the  ground ;  and  placed  me  in  the 
middle,  nor  did  they  anything  else,  only 
they  prayed. 

104  I  also  prayed  with  them  without 
ceasing,  no  less  than  they;  who  when 
they  saw  me  pray  in  that  manner,  rejoiced 
greatly.  And  I  continued  there  with  them 
till  the  next  day. 

I      105  And  when  we  had  worshipped 


militant  and 


God,  then  the  shepherd  came  ajid  said 
unto  them.  You  have  done  no  injury  to 
tills  man  ?  They  answered,  Ask  him.  I 
said  unto  him,  Sir,  I  have  received  a  great 
deal  of  satisfaction  in  that  I  have  remain- 
ed with  them. 

106  Ancl  he  said  unio  me,  How  didst 
thou  sup  ?  I  answered.  Sir,  I  feasted  the 
whole  night  upon  the  words  of  the  Lord. 
They  received  thee  well,  then .'  said  he. 
I  said,  Sir,  very  well. 

107  He  answered.  Wilt  thou  now  learn 
what  thou  didst  desire  ^  I  replied.  Sir,  I 
will:  and  first  I  pray  thee  that  thou 
shouldest  shew  me  all  things  in  the  order 
that  I  asked  them. 

108  He  answered,  I  will  do  all  as  thou 
wouldest  have  me,  nor  will  I  hide  any- 
thing from  thee. 

109  IT  First  of  all.  Sir,  said  I,  tell  me, 
what  this  rock  and  this  gate  denote? 
Hearken,  said  he ;  this  rock,  and  this 
gate,  are  the  Son  of  God.  I  replied.  Sir, 
how  can  that  be ;  seeing  that  the  rock  is 
old,  but  the  gate  new. 

110  Hear,  said  he,  0  foolish  man  !  and 
understand.  The  Son  of  God  is  indeed 
more  ancient  than  any  creature ;  "  inso- 
much that  he  was  in  council  with  his 
Father  at  the  creation  of  ^all  things. 

111  But  the  gate  is  therefore  new,  be- 
cause he  appeared  at  the  last  days  in  the 
fulness  of  time  ;  that  they  who  shall  at- 
tain unto  salvation,  may  by  it  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

112  You  have  seen,  said  he,  those 
stones  which  were  carried  through  tlie 
gate,  how  they  were  placed  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower ;  but  that  those  which 
were  not  carried  through  the  gate,  were 
sent  away  into  their  own  places .' 

113  1  answered.  Sir,  I  saw  it.  Thus, 
said  he,  no  man  shall  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  God,  but  he  who  shall  take  upon 
hirn  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God. 

114  For  if  you  would  enter  into  any 
city,  and  that  city  should  be  encompassed 
with  a  wall,  and  had  only  one  gate,  could 
you  enter  into  that  city,  except  by  that 
gate .' 

115  I  answered,  Sir,  how  could  I  do 
otherwise  .'  As  therefore,  said  he,  there 
would  be  no  other  way  of  entering  into 
that  city  but  by  its  gate,  so  neither  can 
any  one  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God, 
but  only  by  the  name  of  his  Son,  who  is 
most  dear  unto  him. 


e  Ita  ut.  Lat.      f  The  creatures. 


HI.  HERMAS  iriimphani. 

116  And  he  said  unto  me.  Didst  thou 
see  the  multitude  of  those  that  built  that 
tower  .'  Sir,  said  I,  I  saw  it.  He  answered, 
All  those  are  the  angels,  venerable  in  their 
dignity. 

117  With  these  is  the  Lord  encom- 
passed with  a  wall ;  but  the  gate  is  the 
Son  of  God,  who  is  the  only  way  of  com- 
ing unto  God.  For  no  man  shall  go  to 
God,  but  b)'  his  Son. 

118  Thou  sawcst  also,  said  he,  the 
si.x;  men,  and  in  the  middle  of  them  that 
venerable  great  man,  who  walked  about 
the  tower,  and  rejected'  the  stones  out  of 
the  tower  ? 

]  1 9  Sir,  said  I,  I  saw  them.  He  an- 
swered. That  tall  man  was  the  Son  of 
God ;  and  those  six  were  his  angels  of 
most  eminent  dignity,  which  stand  about 
him  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left. 

120  Of  these  excellent  angels  none 
comes  in  unto  God  without  him.  He 
added.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  not 
take  upon  him  his  name,  he  shall  not 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

121  IT  Then  I  said.  What  is  this  tower .' 
This,  said  he,  is  the  church.  And  what, 
sir,  are  these  virgins.'  He  said  unto  me. 
These  are  the  holy  spirits,  for  no  man  can 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  except 
these  clothe  him  with  their  garment. 

122  For  it  will  avail  thee  nothing  to 
take  up  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God,  un- 
less thou  shalt  also  receive  their  garment 
from  them.  For  these  virgins  are  the 
powers  of  the  Son  of  God.  So  shall  a 
man  in  vain  bear  his  name,  unless  he 
shall  also  be  endued  with  his  powers. 

123  And  he  said  unto  me,  Sawest  thou 
those  stones  that  were  cast  away .'  They 
bore  indeed  the  name,  but  put  not  on  their 
garment.  I  said.  Sir,  what  is  their  gar- 
ment .'  E  Their  very  names,  said  he,  are 
their  garment. 

124  Therefore  whosoever  beareth  the 
name  of  the  Son  of  God,  ought  to  bear 
their  names  also ;  for  the  Son  of  God  also 
himself  beareth  their  names. 

125  As  for  those  stones,  continued  he, 
which  being  delivered  by  their  hands, 
thou  sawest  remain  in  the  building,  they 
were  clothed  with  their  power ;  for  whicn 
cause  thou  seest  the  whole  tower  of  the 
same  ^  colour  with  the  rock,  and  made  as 
it  were  of  one  stone. 

126  So  also  those  who  have  believed 

g  Vid.  Annot.  Edit.  Oxon.  p.  116,  d.  b  Vid.  Ori- 
gen.  Philocal.  c.  viii. 

169 


Of  the  mysteries 


III.  HERMAS. 


of  the  church 


in  God  by  his  Son,  have  pul  on  this  spirit. 
Behold  there  shall  be  one  spirit,  and  one 
body,  and  one  colour  of  their  garments ; 
and  all  they  shall  attain  this,  who  shall 
bear  the  names  of  these  virgins. 

127  And  1  said.  Sir,  why  then  were 
those  stones  cast  away  which  were  re- 
jected .'  seeing  they  also  were  carried 
through  the  gate,  and  delivered  by  the 
hands  of  these  virgins  into  the  building 
of  this  tower. 

128  Seeing,  said  he,  thou  takest  care 
to  inquire  diligently  into  all  things,  hear 
also  concerning  those  stones  which  were 
rejected.  All  these  received  the  name  of 
the  Son  of  God,  and  with  that  the  power 
of  these  virgins. 

129  Having  therefore  received  these 
spirits,  they  were  perfected,  and  brought 
into  the  number  of  the  servants  of  God ; 
and  they  began  to  be  one  body,  and  to 
have  one  garment,  for  they  were  'endued 
with  the  same  righteousness,  which  ihey 
alike  exercised. 

130  But  after  that  they  beheld  those 
women  which  thou  sawest  clothed  with 
a  black  garment,  with  their  shoulders  at 
liberty  and  their  hair  loose;  they  fixed 
their  desires  upon  them,  being  tempted 
with  their  beauty  ;  and  were  clothed  with 
their  power,  and  cast  off  the  clothing  of 
the  virgins: 

131  "Therefore  were  they  cast  ofTfrom 
the  house  of  God,  and  delivered  to  those 
women.  But  they  that  were  not  corrupt- 
ed with  their  beauty,  remained  in  th.e 
house  of  God.  This,  said  he,  is  the  sig- 
nificance of  those  stones  which  were  re- 
jected. 

132  IT  And  I  said,  Sir,  what  if  any  of 
these  men  shall  repent,  and  cast  away 
their  desire  of  those  women,  and  be  con- 
verted, and  return  to  these  virgins,  and 
put  on  again  their  virtue ;  shall  they  not 
enter  into  the  house  of  God .'  They  shall 
enter,  said  he,  if  they  shall  lay  aside  all 
the  works  of  those  women,  and  shall  re- 
sume the  power  of  these  virgins,  and  shall 
walk  in  their  works. 

133  And  for  this  cause  there  is  a  stop 
in  the  building,  that  if  they  shall  repent, 
they  may  be  added  to  the  building  of  this 
tower;  but  if  they  shall  not  repent,  that 
others  may  be  built  in  their  place,  and  so 
they  may  be  utterly  cast  away. 


i  Sentiebant  aequitatem,  liOt.  from  the  Greek 
c9p6vuv  :  but  the  true  reading  of  Hermas  seemeth 
to  have  been  id6(iuv. 

170 


1 34  For  all  these  things  I  gave  thanks 
unto  the  Lord,  that  being  moved  with 
mercy  towards  all  those  upon  whom  his 
name  is  called,  he  sent  to  us  the  angel  of 
repentance  to  preside  over  us  who  have 
sinned  against  him ;  and  that  he  has  re- 
freshed our  spirits,  which  were  almost 
gone,  and  who  had  no  hope  of  salvation, 
but  are  now  refreshed  to  the  renewal  of 
life. 

135  Then  I  said.  Shew  me  now,  sir, 
why  this  tower  is  not  built  upon  the 
ground,  but  upon  a  rock,  and  upon  the 
gate  .'  He  replied.  Thou  art  foolish  and 
without  understanding,  therefore  thou 
askest  this. 

136  And  I  said,  Sir,  I  must  needs  ask 
all  things  of  you,  because  I  understand 
nothing  at  all.  For  all  your  answers  are 
great  and  excellent,  and  which  a  man  can 
hardly  understand. 

137  Hear,  said  he:  The  name  of  the 
Son  6i  God  is  great  and  without  bounds, 
and  the  whole  world  is  supported  by  it. 
If  therefore,  said  I,  every  creature  of  God 
be  sustained  by  his  Son,  why  should  be 
not  support  those  also  who  have  been  in- 
vited by  him,  and  who  carry  his  name, 
and  walk  in  his  commandments  .' 

138  See.st  thou  not,  said  he,  that  he 
doth  support  them,  who  with  all  their 
heart  bear  his  name  .'  He  therefoie  is 
their  foundation,  and  gladly  supports 
those  who  do  not  deny  his  name,  but 
willingly  bear  it. 

139  IT  And  I  said,  Sir,  tell  me  the  names 
of  these  virgins,  and  of  those  women  that 
were  clothed  with  the  black  garment. 

140  Hear,  said  he,  the  names  of  those 
virgins  which  are  the  more  powerful,  and 
stand  at  the  corners  of  the  gate.  These 
are  their  names : 

141  The  first  is  called  ^  Faith ;  the 
second.  Continence ;  the  third.  Power ; 
the  fourth.  Patience  :  the  rest  which  stand 
beneath  these  are.  Simplicity,  Innocence, 
Chastity,  Cheerfulness,  Truth,  Under- 
standing, Concord,  Charity. 

142  Whosoever  therefore  bears  these 
names,  and  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God, 
shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

143  Hear  now,  said  he,  the  names  of 
those  women,  which  were  clothed  with 
the  black  garment.  Of  these,  four  are 
the  principal :  the  first  is  Perfidiousness ; 
the  second.  Incontinence;  the  third,  Infi- 
delity ;  the  fourth.  Pleasure. 

k  Origen.  Horn.  13,  in  Ezek. 


miluant  and 


III.  HERMAS. 


triumphant. 


144  And  the  rest  which  follow  are 
called  thus :  Sadness,  Malice,  Lust,  An- 
ger, Lying,  Foolishness,  Pride,  and  Ha- 
tred. The  servant  of  God,  which  carries 
these  spirits,  shall  see  indeed  the  kingdom 
of  God,  but  he  shall  not  enter  into  it. 

145  But,  sir,  what  are  those  stones 
which  were  taken  out  of  the  deep  and 
fitted  into  the  building  ?  The  ten,  said 
he,  which  were  placed  at  the  fouuJution, 
are  the  first  age ;  the  following  five-and- 
twenty,  the  second,  of  righteous  men. 

146  The  next  thirty-five,  are  the  pro- 
phets and  ministers  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the 
forty,  are  the  apostles  and  doctors  of  the 
preaching  of  the  Son  of  God. 

147  And  I  said,  Sir,  why  did  the  vir- 
gins put  even  those  stones  into  the  build- 
ing after  they  were  carried  through  the 
gate .'  And  he  said,  Because  these  first 
carried  those  spirits,  and  they  departed 
not  one  from  the  other,  neither  the  men 
from  the  spirits,  nor  the  spirits  from  the 
men; 

148  But  the  spirits  were  joined  to  those 
men  even  to  the  day  of  their  death  ;  who 
if  they  had  not  had  these  spirits  with 
them,  they  could  not  have  been  useful  to 
the  building  of  this  tower. 

149  And  I  said,  Sir,  shew  me  this  far- 
ther. He  answered.  What  dost  thou  ask .' 
Why  did  these  stones  come  out  of  the 
deep,  and  were  placed  into  the  building 
of  this  tower,  seeing  that  they  long  ago 
carried  those  '  holy  spirits  ? 

150  ""It  was  necessary,  said  he,  for 
them  to  ascend  by  water,  that  they  might 
be  at  rest.  For  they  could  not  otherwise 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  but  by 
laying  aside  the  mortality  of  their  former 
life. 

151  They  therefore  being  dead,  were 
nevertheless  seded  with  the  seal  of  the 
Son  of  God,  and  so  entered  into  the  king- 
dom of  God. 

152  For  before  a  man  receives  the  name 
of  the  Son  of  God,  he  is  ordained  unto 
death  ;  but  when  he  receives  that  seal, 
he  is  freed  from  death,  and  "assigned  unto 
life. 

153  Now  that  seal  is  the  water  of  bap- 
tism, into  which  men  go  down  under  the 
obligation  unto  death,  but  come  up  ap- 
pointed unto  life. 

154  Wherefore  to  those  also  was  this 


1  Justos,  Righteous,     m  Vid.  Edit.  Oxon.  "j.  171,  b. 
n  Traditur,  Oeiivered. 


seal  °  preached,  and  they  made  use  of  it, 
that  they  might  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  God. 

155  And  I  said.  Why  then,  sir,  did 
these  forty  stones  also  ascend  with  them 
out  of  the  deep,  having  already  received 
that  seal  ? 

156  He  answered,  p  Because  these 
Apostles  and  teacheis,  who  preached  the 
name  of  the  Son  of  God,  dying  after  they 
had  received  his  faith  and  power,  preach- 
ed to  them  who  were  dead  before ;  and 
they  gave  this  seal  to  them. 

157  They  went  down  therefore  into 
the  water  with  them,  and  again  came  up. 
But  these  went  down  whilst  they  were 
alive,  and  came  up  again  alive  ;  whereas 
those,  who  were  before  dead,  went  down 
dead,  but  came  up  alive  ; 

158  Through  these  therefore  they  re- 
ceived life,  and  knew  the  Son  of  God  : 
for  which  cause  they  came  up  with  them, 
and  were  fit  to  come  into  the  building  of 
the  tower ;  and  were  not  cut,  but  put  in 
entire;  because  they  died  in  righteous- 
ness, and  in  great  purity  ;  only  this  seal 
was  wanting  to  them. 

159  Thus  you  have  the  explication  of 
these  things. 

160  ^  1  answered:  Sir,  tell  me  now 
what  concerns  those  mountains,  why  they 
are  so  difierent ;  some  of  one  form,  and 
some  of  another. 

161  Hear,  said  he  :  These  twelve 
mountains  which  thou  seest,  are  twelve 
nations,  which  make  up  the  whole  world. 
Wherefore  the  Son  of  God  is  preached  to 
them,  by  those  whom  he  sent  unto  them. 

162  But  why,  said  I,  are  they  differ- 
ent, and  every  one  of  a  figure  .'  He  re- 
plied. Hearken.  Those  twelve  nations 
which  possess  the  whole  world,  are 
twelve  people. 

163  And  as  thou  hast  beheld  these 
mountains  different,  so  are  they.  I  will 
therefore  open  to  thee  the  meaning,  and 
actions  of  every  mountain. 

164  But  first,  sir,  said  I,  show  me 
this  :  Seeing  these  mountains  are  so  dif- 
ferent, how  have  they  agreed  into  the 
building  of  this  tower ;  and  been  brought 
to  one  colour  ;  and  are  no  less  bright  than 
those  which  came  out  of  the  deep  i 

165  Because,  replied  he,  all  the  nations 
which  are  under  heaven,  have  heard  and 


0  Vid.  Coteler.  Annot.  in  loe.  p.  77,  78.     Comp,  1 
Pet.  iii.  19.     p  Vid.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom,  ii.  et  vi 

171 


0/  the  mysteries  HI-  HERMAS. 

believed  in  the  same  one  name  of  the  Son 
of  God  by  whom  they  are  called. 

166  Wherefore  having  received  his 
seal,  they  have  all  been  made  partakers 
of  the  same  i  understanding  and  ■•  know- 
ledge ;  and  their  faith  and  charity  have 
been  the  same  ;  and  they  have  carried  the 
spirits  of  these  virgins  together  with  his 
name. 

167  And  therefore  the  building  of  this 
tower  appeared  to  be  of  the  same  color, 
and  did  shine  like  the  brightness  of  the 
snn. 

168  But  after  that  they  had  thus 
agreed  in  one  mind  there  began  to  be  one 
body  of  them  all :  howbeit  some  of  them 
polluted  themselves,  and  were  cast  off 
from  the  kind  of  the  righteous,  and  again 
returned  to  their  former  state,  and  because 
even  worse  than  they  were  before. 

169  f  How,  said  1,  Sir,  were  they 
worse  who  knew  the  Lord.'  He  ans- 
wered ;  If  he  who  knows  not  the  Lord 
liveth  wickedly,  the  punishment  of  wick- 
edness attends  him. 

170  But  he  who  has  known  the  Lord, 
ought  to  abstain  together  from  all  wick- 
edness, and  more  and  more  to  be  the  ser- 
vant of  righteousness. 

171  And  does  not  he  then  seem  to  thee 
to  sin  more  who  ought  to  follow  good- 
ness, if  he  shall  prefer  the  part  ol  sin  ; 
than  he  who  offends  without  knowing  the 
'  power  of  God  .' 

172  Wherefore  these  are  indeed  or- 
dained unto  death ;  but  they  who  have 
known  the  Lord,  and  have  seen  his  won- 
derful works,  ii  they  shall  live  wickedly, 
they  shall  be  doubly  punished,  and  shall 
die  for  ever. 

173  As  therefore  thou  hast  seen  that 
after  the  stones  were  cast  out  of  the  tow- 
er, which  had  been  rejected:  they  were 
delivered  to  wicked  and  cruel  spirits ; 
and  thou  beheldst  the  tower  so  cleansed, 
as  if  it  had  all  been  made  of  one  stone : 

174  ^So  the  church  of  God,  when  it 
shall  be  purified :  (the  "  wicked  and 
counterfeits,  the  "  mischievous  and  doubt- 
ful, and  all  that  have  behaved  themselves 
wickedly  in  it,  and  committed  divers  kinds 
of  sin,  being  cast  out,)  shall  become  one 
body,  and  there  shall  be  one  understand- 
ing, one  opinion,  one  faith,  and  the  same 
charity  : 
,     175  And  then  shall  the  Son  of  God 


of  the  church 


q  Prudence,      r  Sense.      »  Lat.  Virtutem.     t  Vid. 
Qfig.  Philocal.  c.  viii.     u  Evil,     v  Profligate. 

172 


rejoice  among  them,  and  shall  receive  his 
people  with  a  pure  will. 

176  And  I  said;  Sir,  all  these  thinga 
are  great  and  honorable  :  but  now  shew 
unto  me  the  effect  and  force  of  every 
mountain ;  that  every  soul  which  trust- 
eth  in  the  Lord,  when  it  shall  hear  these 
things,  may  honor  his  great,  and  wonder- 
ful, and  holy  name. 

!  77  Hear,  said  he,  the  variety  of  these 
mountains,  that  is,  of  the  twelve  nations. 

178  II  They  who  have  believed  of  the 
first  mountain,  which  is  black,  are  those 
who  have  revolted  from  the  faith ;  and 
spoken  wicked  things  against  the  Lord; 
and  betrayed  the  servants  of  God. 

179  These  are  condemned  to  death, 
there  is  no  repentance  for  them ;  and 
therefore  they  are  black,  because  their 
kind  is  wicked. 

180  Of  the  second  mountain  which 
was  smooth,  are  the  "'hypocrites,  who  have 
believed,  and  the  teachers  of  naughtiness  : 
and  these  are  ne.vt  to  the  foregoing,  which 
have  not  in  them  the  fruit  of  righteous- 
ness. 

181  For  as  their  mountain  is  barren, 
and  without  fruit ;  so  also  such  kind  of 
men  have  indeed  the  name  of  christians, 
but  are  empty  of  faith ;  nor  is  there  any 
fruit  of  truth  in  them. 

182  Neveithelcss,  there  is  room  left 
to  them  for  repentance,  if  they  shall  sud- 
denly pursue  it :  but  if  they  shall  delay, 
they  also  shall  be  partakers  of  death  with 
the  foregoing  kind. 

183  1  said,  Sir,  why  is  there  room  left 
to  those  for  repentance,  and  not  to  the 
foregoing  kind,  seeing  their  sins  are  well 
nigh  the  same  ? 

1 84  There  is  therefore,  said  he,  to  these 
a  return  unto  life  by  repentance,  because 
they  have  not  blasphemed  against  their 
Lord,  nor  betrayed  the  servants  of  God  : 
but  by  their  desire  of  gain  have  deceived 
men,  leading  them  according  to  the  lusta 
of  sinners ;  wherefore  they  shall  sufTer 
for  this  thing. 

185  Howbeit  there  is  still  left  them 
room  for  repentance,  because  they  have 
not  spoken  anything  wickedly  against 
their  Lord. 

186  IT  They  who  are  of  the  third 
mountain  who  had  thorns  and  biambles, 
are  those  who  believed,  but  were  some 
of  fliem  rich,  others  taken  up  with  many 
affairs:    the  brambles  are   their    liches; 


Feigned. 


militant  and 


111,  HERMAS. 


triumphant. 


the  thorns,  those  affairs  in  which  they 
were  engaged. 

187  Now  they  who  are  entangled  in 
much  business,  and  in  diversity  of  affairs, 
join  not  themselves  to  the  servants  of 
God,  but  wander,  being  called  away  by 
those  affairs  with  which  they  are  choked. 

188  And  so  they  which  are  rich,  with 
difficulty  yield  themselves  to  the  "  conver- 
sation of  the  servants  of  God  ;  fearing 
lest  anything  should  be  asked  of  them. 
These  therefore  shall  hardly  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

189  For  as  men  walk  with  difficulty 
bare-foot  over  thorns,  even  so  these  kind 
of  men  shall  scarcely  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  God. 

190  Nevertheless  there  is  afforded  to 
all  these  a  return  unto  repentance  ;  if  that 
they  shall  quickly  return  to  it ;  that  be- 
cause in  their  former  days  they  have  neg- 
lected to  work,  in  the  time  that  is  to  come 
they  may  do  some  good. 

191  If  therefore  having  repented  they 
shall  do  the  works  of  righteousness,  they 
shall  live:  but  if  they  shall  continue  in 
their  evil  courses,  they  shall  be  dehvered 
to  those  women  that  will  take  away  their 
life. 

192  IT  As  for  the  fourth  mountain, 
which  had  many  herbs,  the  upper  part  of 
which  is  green,  but  the  roots  dry,  and 
some  of  which  being  touched  with  the 
heat  of  the  sun  are  withered ; 

193  It  denotes  the  doubtful,  who  have 
believed,  and  some  others  who  carry  the 
Lord  in  their  tongues,  but  have  him  not 
in  their  heart :  therefore  their  grass  is 
dry,  and  without  root ;  because  they  live 
only  in  words,  but  their  works  are  dead. 

194  These  therefore  are  neither  dead  nor 
hving,  and  withal  are  doubtful.  For  the 
doubtful  are  neither  green  nor  dry  ;  that 
is,  neither  dead  nor  alive. 

195  For  as  the  herbs  dry  away  at  the 
-sight  of  the  sun ;  so  the  doubtful  as  soon 
as  they  hear  of  persecution,  and  fear  iu- 
conveniences,  return  to  their  idols,  and 
again  serve  them,  and  are  ashamed  to 
bear  the  name  of  their  Lord. 

196  This  kind  of  men  then  is  neither 
dead  nor  alive ;  nevertheless  these  also 
may  live,  if  they  shall  presently  repent : 
hut  if  not,  they  shall  be  delivered  to 
those  women,  who  shall  take  away  their 
life. 

197  TT  As  concerning  the  fifth  moun- 


Vid.  Edit.  Oxon.  p.  178.  Not.  b. 


tain  that  is  craggy,  and  yet  has  green 
grass :  they  are  of  this  kind  who  have 
believed,  and  are  faithful  indeed,  but  be- 
lieve with  difficulty  ;  and  are  bold,  and 
self-conceited;  that  would  be  thought 
to  know  all  things,  but  really  know  no- 
thing. 

198  Wherefore,  by  reason  of  this  con- 
fidence, knowledge  is  departed  from 
them  ;  and  a  rash  presumption  is  entered 
into  them. 

199  But  they  carry  themselves  high, 
and  as  prudent  men  ;  and  though  they  are 
fools,  yet  would  seem  to  be  teachers. 

200  Now  by  reason  of  this  folly  many 
of  them  while  they  magnify  themselves, 
are  become  vain  and  empty.  For  bold- 
ness and  vain  confidence  is  a  y  very  evil 
spirit. 

201  Wherefore  many  of  these  are  cast 
away :  but  others  acknowledging  their 
error,  have  repented,  and  submitted  them- 
selves to  those  who  are  knowing : 

202  And  to  all  the  rest  of  this  kind 
there  is  repentance  allowed  ;  forasmuch 
as  they  were  not  so  much  wicked,  as 
foolish,  and  void  of  understanding. 

203  if  these  therefore  shall  repent, 
they  shall  live  unto  God  ;  but  if  not,  they 
shall  dwell  with  those  women,  who  shall 
exercise  their  wickedness  upon  them. 

204  ir  For  what  concerns  the  sixth 
mountain  having  greater  and  lesser  clefts, 
they  are  such  as  have  believed  ;  but  those 
in  which  were  le.5ser  clefts  are  they  who 
have  had  controversies  among  them- 
selves; and  by  leason  of  their  quarrels 
languish  in  the  faith  : 

205  Nevertheless  many  of  these  have 
repented,  and  so  will  the  rest  when  they 
shall  hear  my  commands;  for  their  con- 
troversies are  but  small,  and  they  will 
easily  return  unto  repentance. 

206  But  those  who  have  the  greater 
clefts,  will  be  as  stiff  stones,  mindful  of 
grudges  and  offences,  and  full  of  anger 
among  themselves.  These  therefore  are 
cast  from  the  tower,  and  refused  to  be 
put  into  its  building  ;  for  this  kind  of 
men  shall  hardly  live. 

207  Our  God  and  Lord,  who  ruieth 
over  all  things,  and  has  power  over  all 
his  creatures,  will  not  remember  our  of- 
fences, but  is  easily  appeased  by  those 
who  confess  their  sins :  but  man  being 
languid,  mortal,  infirm,  and  full  of  sins, 
perseveres  in  his  anger  against  man  ;  as 


y  Magnum  Diemoiiium. 


173 


Of  ihs  mysteries  HI.  HERMAS. 

if  it  were  in  his  power   to   save  or  to 
destroy  him. 

208  But  I,  as  the  angel  who  am  set 
over  your  repentance,  admonish  you,  that 
whosoever  among  you  has  any  such  pur- 
pose he  should  lay  it  aside,  and  return 
unto  repentance  ;  and  the  Lord  will  heal 
your  former  sins,  if  you  shall  purge  your- 
selves from  this  evil  spirit ;  but  if  you 
shall  not  do  it,  ye  shall  be  delivered  to 
him  unto  death. 

209  IT  As  for  the  seventh  mountain  in 
which  the  grass  was  green  and  flourish- 
ing, and  the  whole  mountain  fruitful ; 
and  all  kind  of  cattle  fed  upon  the  grass 
of  it;  and  the  more  the  grass  was  eaten, 
60  much  the  more  it  flourished  ; 

210  They  are  such  as  believed,  and 
were  always  good  and  upright ;  and  with- 
out any  differences  among  themselves, 
but  still  rejoiced  in  the  servants  of  God, 
having  put  on  the  spirit  of  these  virgins ; 
and  been  always  forward  to  shew  mercy 
lo  all  men,  readily  giving  to  all  men  of 
their  labors  without  upbraiding,  and 
without  deliberation. 

211  Wherefore  the  Lord  seeing  their 
simplicity  and  ^  injiocence,  has  increased 
them  in  the  works  of  their  hands,  and 
given  them  grace  in  all  their  works. 

212  But  I,  whom  the  angel  appointed 
over  your  repentance,  exhort  you,  that 
as  many  as  are  of  this  kind  would  con- 
tinue in  the  same  purpose,  that  your  seed 
may  not  be  rooted  out  for  ever. 

213  For  the  Lord  ha(h  tried  you,  and 
written  you  into  our  number;  and  all 
your  seed  shall  dwell  with  the  Son  of 
God  ;  for  ye  are  all  of  his  spirit. 

214  IF  As  concerning  the  eighth  moun- 
tain in  which  were  a  great  many  springs, 
by  which  every  kind  of  all  the  creatures 
of  God  was  V.  atered ;  they  are  such  as 
have  believed  the  Apostles  which  the 
Lord  sent  into  all  the  world  to  preach  ; 

215  And  "  some  of  them  being  teach- 
ers have  preached  and  taught  purely  and 
sincerely,  and  have  not  in  the  least 
yielded  to  any  evil  desires,  but  have  con- 
stantly walked  in  righteousness  and  truth. 

216  These  therefore  have  their  con- 
versation among  the  angels. 

217  IT  Again;  as  for  what  concerns 
the  ninth  m.ountain  which  is  desert,  and 
full  of  serpents ;  they  are  such  as  have 
believed,  but  had  many  stains  ; 


of  the  church 


z  Infancy.        a  MS.  Lamb.     Et  quidam  Doetores 
caste  :     Omitting  Qui. 

174 


218  These  are  such  ministers  as  dis- 
charge their  ministry  amiss ;  ravishing 
away  the  goods  of  the  widows  and  fath- 
erless ;  and  serve  themselves,  not  others, 
out  of  those  things  which  they  have  re- 
ceived. 

219  These,  if  they  continue  in  this 
covetousness,  have  delivered  themselves 
unto  death,  nor  shall  there  be  any  hope 
of  life  for  them.  But  if  they  shall  be 
converted,  and  shall  discharge  their  min- 
istry sincerely,  they  may  live. 

220  As  for  those  which  were  found 
rough ;  they  are  such  as  have  denied  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  not  returned  again 
to  the  Lord,  but  have  become  savage 
and  wild  ;  not  applying  themselves  to 
the  servants  of  God  ;  but  being  separa- 
ted from  them,  have  for  a  little  careful- 
ness lost  their  lives. 

221  For  as  a  vine  that  is  for.^aken  in 
a  hedge,  and  never  dressed,  perishes  and 
is  choked  by  the  weeds,  and  in  time  be- 
comes wild,  and  ceases  to  be  useful  to  its 
lord  ;  so  this  kind  of  men  despaiiing  of 
themselves,  and  being  soured,  have  be- 
gun to  be  unprofltable  to  their  Lord. 

222  Howbeit  to  these  there  is,  after 
all,  repentance  allowed,  if  they  shall  not 
be  found  from  their  hearts  to  have  denied 
Christ :  but  if  any  of  these  shall  be 
found  to  have  denied  him  from  his  heart, 
I  cannot  tell  whether  such  a  one  can  at- 
tain unto  life. 

223  1  say  therefore,  that  if  any  one 
hath  denied,  he  should  in  these  days  re- 
turn unto  repentance  ;  for  it  cannot  be 
that  any  one  who  now  denies  the  Lord, 
can  afterwards  attain  unto  salvation ; 
nevertheless  repentance  is  proposed  unto 
them,  who  have  formerly  denied. 

224  But  he  who  will  repent  must 
hasten  on  his  repentance,  before  the 
building  of  this  tower  is  finished  :  other- 
wise, he  shall  be  delivered  by  those  wo- 
men unto  death. 

225  But  they  that  are  maimed,  are  the 
deceitful ;  and  those  who  mix  with  one 
another,  these  are  the  serpents  that  you 
sav/  mingled  in  that  mountain. 

226  For  as  the  poison  of  serpents  is 
deadly  unto  men  ;  so  the  words  of  such 
persons  infect  and  destroy  men.  They 
are  therefore  maimed  in  their  faith,  by 
reason  of  that  kind  of  life  which  they 
lead. 

227  Howbeit  some  of  them,  having 
repented,  have  been  saved  ;  and  so  shall 
others  of  the  same  kind  be  also  saved,  if 


militant  and 


III.  HERMAS. 


triumphant. 


they  shall  repent ;  but  if  not,  they  shall 
die  by  those  women  whose  power  and 
force  they  possess. 

228  IT  For  what  concerns  the  tenth 
mountain,  in  which  were  the  trees  cover- 
ing the  cattle,  they  are  such  as  have  be- 
lieved ;  and  some  of  them  been  bishops, 
that  is,  governors  of  the  churches. 

229  Others,  are  such  stones,  as  have 
not  feignedly,  but  with  a  cheerful  mind, 
entertained  the  servants  of  God. 

230  Then  such  as  have  been  set  over 
inferior  ministries ;  and  have  protected 
the  poor  and  the  widows ;  and  have  al- 
ways kept  a  chaste  conversation  ;  there- 
fore they  also  are  protected  by  the  Lord. 

231  Whosoever  shall  do  on  this  wise, 
are  honoured  with  the  Lord  ;  and  their 
place  is  among  the  angels,  if  they  shall 
continue  to  obey  the  Lord  even  unto  the 
end. 

232  IT  As  to  the  eleventh  mountain  in 
which  were  trees  loaded  with  several 
sorts  of  fruits  ;  they  are  such  as  have  be- 
lieved, and  suffered  death  for  the  name 
of  the  Lord  ;  and  have  endured  with  a 
ready  mind,  and  have  given  up  their 
lives  with  all  their  hearts. 

233  And  1  said,  Why  then.  Sir,  have 
all  these  fruit  indeed,  but  yet  some  fairer 
than  others .' 

234  Hearken,  said  he :  Whosoever 
have  suffered  for  the  name  of  the  Lord 
are  esteemed  honourable  by  the  Lord  ; 
and  all  their  offences  are  blotted  out,  be- 
cause they  have  suffered  death  for  the 
name  of  the  Son  of  God. 

235  Hear  now,  why  their  fruits  are 
different,  and  some  of  them  excel  others, 
they  who  being  brought  before  magis- 
trates, and  being  asked,  denied  not  the 
Lord,  but  suffered  with  a  ready  mind  ; 
these  are  more  honourable  with  the  Lord. 
The  fruits  therefore  that  are  most  fair 
are  these. 

236  But  they  who  were  fearful  and 
doubtful,  and  have  deliberated  with  them- 
selves whether  they  should  confess  or 
deny  Christ,  and  yet  have  suffered ;  their 
fruits  are  smaller,  because  that  this 
thought  came  into  their  hearts. 

237  For  it  is  a  wicked  and  evil  thought 
for  a  servant  to  deliberate  whether  he 
should  deny  his  master.  Take  heed 
therefore  ye  who  have  such  thoughts, 
that  this  mind  continue  not  in  you,  and 
ye  die  unto  God. 

238  But  ye  who  suffer  death  for  his 
name  sake,  ought  to  honour  the  Lord, 


that  he  has  esteemed  you  worthy  to  bear 
his  name  ;  and  that  you  should  be  deliv- 
ered from  all  your  sins. 

239  And  why  therefore  do  you  not 
rather  esteem  yourselves  happy  ?  Ye 
think  verily  that  if  any  one  among  you 
suffer,  he  performs  a  great  work  .'  Foi 
the  Lord  giveth  you  life,  and  ye  under- 
stand it  not.  For  your  offences  did  op- 
press you  ;  and  if  you  had  not  suffered 
for  his  name  sake,  ye  had  now  been  dead 
unto  the  Lord. 

240  Wherefore  I  speak  this  unto  you 
who  deliberate  whether  ye  should  con- 
fess or  deny  him  :  confess  that  ye  have 
the  Lord  for  your  God  ;  lest  at  any  time 
denying  him,  ye  be  delivered  over  into 
bonds. 

241  For  if  all  nations  punish  their 
servants  which  deny  their  masters ;  what 
think  you  that  the  Lord  will  do  unto  you, 
who  has  the  power  of  all  things. 

242  Remove  therefore  out  of  your 
hearts  these  doubts,  that  ye  may  live  for 
ever  unto  God. 

243  As  for  the  twelfth  mountain, 
which  was  white,  they  are  such  as  have 
believed  like  sincere  children,  into  whose 
thoughts  there  never  came  any  malice  ; 
nor  have  they  ever  known  what  sin  was, 
but  have  always  continued  in  their  in- 
tegrity. 

244  Wherefore  this  kind  of  men  shali 
without  all  doubt  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
God ;  because  tliey  have  nevp.r  in  any- 
thing defiled  the  commandments  of  God, 
but  have  continued  with  sincerity  in  the 
same  condition  all  the  days  of  their  life. 

245  Whosoever  therefore,  said  he, 
shall  continue  as  children  without  mal- 
ice ;  shall  be  more  honourable  than  all 
those  of  whom  I  have  yet  spoken  :  for 
all  such  children  are  honoured  by  the 
Lord,  and  esteemed  the  first  of  all. 

246  Happy  therefore  arc  ye  who  shall 
remove  all  malice  from  you,  and  put  on 
innocence  ;  because  ve  shall  first  see  the 
Lord. 

247  And  after  he  had  thus  ended  his 
explication  of  all  the  mountains,  I  said 
unto  him  ;  Sir,  shew  me  now  also  what 
concerns  the  stones  that  were  brought 
out  of  the  plain,  and  put  into  the  tower 
in  the  room  of  those  that  were  rejected. 

248  As  also  concerning  those  round 
stones  which  were  added  into  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower  ;  and  also  of  those  who 
still  continued  round 

249  IT  Hear  now,  says  he,  concerning 

175 


Of  the  mysteries 


III.  HERMAS. 


q^  the  church. 


those  stones  which  were  brought  out  of 
the  plain  into  the  building  of  the  tower, 
and  placed  in  the  room  of  those  that  were 
rejected  :  they  are  the  roots  of  that  white 
mountain. 


the  kingdom  of  God.  For  they  must 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  because 
God  has  blessed  this  innocent  kind. 

261  Of  this  kind  therefore  none  shall 
fall  away  ;  for  though  any  of  them  beinj 


250    Wherefore  because    those   who   tempted  by  the  devil  should  offend,  he 
have  believed  of   that  mountain,  were    shall  soon  return  to  his  Lord  God. 
very  innocent ;   the  lord  of  this  tower  I      262  I  the  angel  of  repentance  esteem 
commanded  that  they  which  were  of  the  :  you  happy,  who.soever  are  innocent  as 
roots  of  this  mountain  should  be  placed    little  children,  because   your  portion  i.^ 


into  the  building. 

251  For  he  knew  that  if  they  were 
put  into  this  building  they  should  con- 
tinue brif^ht;  nor  would  any  of  them 
any  more  be  made  black. 

252  But  if  he  had  added  on  this  man- 


good  and  honourable  with  the  Lord. 

263  And  I  say  unto  all  you  who  have 
received  this  seal ;  keep  simplicity,  and 
remember  not  the  offences  wliich  are  com- 
mitted against  yon,  nor  continue  in  mal- 
ice, or  in  bitterness,  through  the  memory 


ner  from  the  rest  of  the  mountains,  he    of  offences, 
would  ''almost  have  needed  again  to  visit        264  ''But  become  one  spirit,  and  pro- 
this  tower  and  to  cleanse  it.  i  vide  remedies  for  these  evil  rents,  and  re- 

253  Now  all  these  white  stones  are  !  move  them  from  yon ;  that  the  lord  of 
the  young  men   who  have  believed,  or  '  the  sheep  may  rejoice  "-at  it;     for  ffae 
shall  believe  ;  for  they  are  all  of  the  same  I  will  rejoice,  if  he  shall  find  all  whole, 
kind.     Happy  is  this  kind,  because  it  is '      265  But  if  any  of  these  sheep  shall 


be  found  scattered  away.  Wo  shall  be  to 
the  shepherds  :  but  and  if  the  shepherds 
tliemselves  shall  be  scattered  ;  what  will 
they  answer  to  sthe  lord  of  the  sheep- 
fold  .'  Will  they  say  that  they  were 
But  they  shall 


innocent. 

254  Hear  now  also  concerning  those 
round  and  bright  stones  :  all  these  are  of 
this  white  mountain.  But  they  are 
therefore    found    round,    because    their 

riches  have  a  little  darkened  them  from  |  troubled  by  the  sheep  ? 
the  truth,  and  dazzled  their  eyes  :  !  not  be  believed. 

255  Howbeit  they  have  never  departed  i  266  For  it  is  an  incredible  thing  that 
from  the  Lord,  nor  has  any  wicked  word  i  the  shepherd  should  suffer  by  his  flock  ; 
proceeded  out  of  their  mouths ;  but  all  !  and  he  shall  be  the  more  punished  for 
righteousness,  and  virtue,  and  truth.  j  his  lie. 

256  When  therefore  the  Lord  saw  267  Now  I  am  the  shepherd  ;  and  J 
their  mind,  and  that  they  might  adorn  the    especially  must  give  an  account  of  you. 


truth  ;  he  commanded  that  they  should 
continue  good,  and  that  their  riches 
should  be  pared  away  : 

257  For  he  would  not  have  them  ta- 
ken wholly  away,  to  the  end  they  might 
do  some  good  with  that  which  was  left, 
and  live  unto  God  ;  because  they  also  are 
of  a  good  kind. 

258  Therefore  was  there  a  little  cut 
off  from  them,  and  so  they  were  put  into 
the  building  of  this  tower. 

i  259  IT  As  for  the  rest  which  continued 
stiJl  round,  and  were  not  found  fit  for  the 
building  '^  of  this  tower,  because  they 
have  not  yet  received  the  seal ;  they 
were  carried  back  to  their  place,  because 
they  were  found  very  round. 

260  But  this  present  world  must  be 
cut  away  from  them,  and  the  vanities  of 
their  riches  ;  and  then  they  will  be  fit  for 


268  V  Wherefore  take  care  of  your- 
selves whilst  the  tower  is  yet  building. 
The  Lord  dwells  in  those  that  love  peace ; 
for  peace  is  beloved  ;  but  he  is  far  off 
from  the  contentious,  and  those  who  are 
''  full  of  malice. 

269  Wherefore  restore  unto  him  the 
Spirit  entire,  as  ye  received  it.  'For  if 
thou  shalt  give  unto  a  fuller  a  garment 
new  and  whole,  thou  wilt  expect  to  re- 
ceive it  whole  again  :  if  therefoie  the  ful- 
ler shall  restore  it  unto  thee  torn,  wouldst 
thou  receive  it .' 

270  Wouldst  thou  not  presently  be 
angry ;  and  reproach  him,  saying ;  I 
gave  my  garment  to  thee  whole  ;  why 


*>  MS.   Lamb,      'i'antum   non   necesse  liabuisset. 
e  MS.  Lamb.  Structuram  turris  hujus. 

176 


d  MS.  Lamb.  Et  uiium  ciiiemque  spirituin  fieri : 
which  appears  from  the  Greek  of  Aniioclius  to  be 
the  true  rending,  ^  yeviuQai  tv  avevjia.  ejis. 
Lamb.  Gaudeat  de  his  ;  and  Gr.  Autioch.  X"P?  '"■' 
avTM.  f  Vid.  Antioch.  Horn,  cxxii.  g  Gr.  T(o 
iuaiTOTri  rS  noiy.vi.1).  hPerditis  mali'ia.  Lat. 
i  Antioch.  Horn.  xciv. 


of  repentance 


III.  HERMAS. 


aud  alms-deeds. 


hast  thou  rent  it,  and  made  it  useless  to 
me  '  Now  it  is  of  no  use  to  me,  by 
reason  of  the  rent  which  thou  hast  made 
in  it.  Wouldst  thou  not  say  all  this  to 
a  fuller,  for  the  rent  which  he  made  in 
thy  garment  ? 

271  If  therefore  thou  wouldst  be  con- 
cerned for  thy  garment,  and  complain 
that  thou  hadst  not  received  it  whole ; 
what  thinkest  thou  that  the  Lord  will  do 
who  gave  his  Spirit  to  thee  entire,  and 
thou  hast  rendered  him  altogether  un- 
profitahle,  so  that  he  can  be  of  no  use 
unto  his  Lord  >  For  being  corrupted  by 
thee,  he  is  ho  longer  profitable  to  him. 

272  Will  not  therefore  the  Lord  do  the 
same  concerning  his  Spirit,  by  reason  of 
thy  deed  ?  Undoubtedly,  said  I,  he  wi  1 
do  the  same  to  all  those  whom  he  shall 
find  to  continue  in  the  remembrance  of 
injuries. 

273  Tread  not  then  under 


foot,  said 
her h'is  mercy;  ^"^  '"^^^^''  honour  him, 
because  he  is  so  patient  with  respect  to 
your  offences,  and  not  like  one  of  you  ; 
but  repent,  for  that  will  be  profitable  for 

274  All  these  things  which  are  above 
written,  I  the  shepherd,  the  angel  of  re- 
pentance, have  shewn  and  spoken  to  the 
servants  of  God.  ,    „  ,   ,.  j 

275  If  therefore  ye  shall  believe  and 
hearken  to  these  words,  and  shall  walk 
in  them,  and  shall  correct  your  ways,  ye 
shall  live.  But  if  ye  shall  continue  m 
malice,  and  in  the  remembrance  oi  inju- 
ries, no  such  sinners  shall  live  unto  God. 

276  All  these  things  which  were  to 
be  spoken  by  me,  I  have  thus  delivered 
unto  you.  then  the  Shepherd  said  unto 
me,  Hast  thou  asked  all  things  of  me .' 
I  answered.  Sir,  I  have. 

277  Why  then,  said  he,  hast  thou  not 
asked  concerning  the  f^^aces  of  these 
stones  that  were  put  in  the  building,  that 
I  may  explain  that  also  unto  thee  ?  1  an- 
swered, Sir,  I  forgot  it.  Hear,  then,  said 
he,  concerning  those  also. 

278  They  are  those  who  have  now 
heard  these  commands,  and  have  repent- 
ed with  all  their  hearts.  ,,    ,  ^.    • 

279  And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  their 
repentance  was  good  and  pure,  and  that 
they  could  continue  in  it,  he  commanded 
their  former  sins  to  be  blotted  out.  For 
these  spaces  were  their  sins,  and  they  are 
therefore  made  even  that  they  might  not 
appear. 


SIMILITUDE  X. 

Of  repentance  and  alms-deeds. 

AFTER  that  I  had  written  this  book, 
the  angel  which  had  deUvered  me 
to  that  shepherd,  came  into  the  house 
where  I  was,  and  sate  upon  the  bed,  and 
that  shepherd  stood  at  his  right  hand. 

2  Then  he  called  me  and  said  unto  me; 
I  delivered  thee  and  thy  house  to  this 
shepherd,  that  thou  mightest  be  protected 
by  him.     I  said.  Yes,  Lord. 

3  If  therefore,  said  he,  thou  wilt  be  pro- 
tected from  all  vexations  and  from  all  cru- 
elty, and  have  success  in  every  good 
word  and  work  ;  and  have  all  viitue  and 
righteousness ;  walk  in  those  commands 
which  he  has  given  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
have  dominion  over  all  sin. 

4  For  if  thou  keepest  those  commands, 
all  the  lust  and  pleasure  of  this  present 
world  shall  be  subject  to  thee ;  and  suc- 
cess shall  follow  thee  in  every  good  un- 
dertaking. . 

5  Take  therefore  his  "gravity  and  mod- 
esty towards  thee,  and  say  unto  all,  that 
he  is  in  great  honour  and  renown  with 
God,  and  is  a  '  prince  of  great  authonty, 
and  powerful  in  his  office. 

6  To  him  only  is  the  power  of  repent- 
ance committed  throughout  the  whole 
world.  Does  he  not  seem  to  thee  to  be 
of  great  authority ; 

7  But  yc  despise  his  goodness,  and  the 
modesty  which  he  shews  towards  you. 

8  IT  I  said  unto  him ;  Sir,  ask  him 
since  the  time  that  he  came  into  my  house 
whether  I  have  done  any  thing  disorder- 
ly, or  have  offended  him  in  any  thing  ? 

9  I  know,  said  he,  that  thou  hast  done 
nothing  disoiderly,  neither  wilt  thou 
hereafter  do  any  such  thing  ;  and  there- 
fore I  speak  these  things  with  thee  that 
thou  mayest  persevere ;  for  he  has  given 
me  a  good  account  concerning  thee. 

10  But  thou  shalt  speak  these  things 
to  others,  that  they  who  have  repented, 
or  shall  repent,  >»  may  be  like-minded  with 
thee ;  and  he  may  give  me  as  good  an  ac- 
count of  them  also,  and  I  may  do  the 
same  unto  the  Lord. 

11  1  answered;  Sir,  I  declare  to  all 
men  the  wonderful  works  of  God ;  and  I 
hope  that  all  who  love  them  and  have  be- 
fore sinned,  when  they  shall  hear  these 
things,  will  repent,  and  recover  lite. 


k  I*t.  Maturitatem.    1  Pteiident. 
t«  sentiant. 


177 


Of  repentance 


III.  HERMAS 


and  alms-deeds. 


12  Continue  therefore,  said  he,  in  this 
ministry,  and  fulfil  it.  And  whosoever 
shall  do  according  to  the  commands  of 
this  shepherd,  he  shall  live  ;  and  shall 
have  great  honor  both  here  and  with  the 
Lord. 

13  But  they  that  shall  not  keep  his 
commands,  flee  from  then-  life,  and  are  ad- 
versaries unto  it.  And  they  that  follow 
not  his  commands  shall  deliver  themselves 
unto  death  ;  and  shall  be  every  one  guil- 
ty of  his  own  blood. 

14  But  I  say  unto  thee,  keep  these 
commandments,  and  thou  shall  find  a  cure 
for  all  thy  sins. 

1 5  H  Moreover  I  have  sent  ■"  these  vir- 
gins to  dwell  with  thee  ;  for  I  have  seen 
that  they  are  very  kind  to  thee.  Thou 
ehalt  therefore  have  them  for  thy  helpers, 
that  thou  mayest  the  better  keep  the  com- 
mands which  he  hath  given  thee ;  for 
these  commands  cannot  be  kept  without 
these  virgins. 

1 6  And  °  I  see  how  they  are  w-illing  to 
be  with  thee  ;  and  I  will  also  command 
them  that  they  shall  not  all  depart  from 
thy  house. 

17  Only  do  thou  purify  thy  house  ;  for 
they  will  readily  dwell  in  a  clean  house. 
For  they  are  clean  and  chaste,  and  in- 
dustrious ;  and  all  of  them  have  grace 
with  the  Lord. 

18  If,  therefore,  thou  shalt  have  thy 
house  pure,  they  will  abide  with  thee. 
But,  if  it  shall  be  never  so  little  pollated, 
they  will  immediately  depart  from  thy 
house  ;  for  these  virgins  cannot  endure 
any  manner  of  pollution. 

19  1  said  unto  him ;  Sir,  I  hope  that  1 
shall  so  please  them,  that  they  shall  al- 
ways delight  to  dwell  in  my  house.  And 
as  he  to  whom  you  have  committed  me, 
makes  no  complaint  of  me  ;  so  neither 
shall  they  complain. 

20  Then  he  said  to  that  shepherd  :  I 
see  that  the  servant  of  God  will  live 
and  keep  these  commandments,  and  place 
these  virgins  in  a  pure  habitation. 

21  When  he  had  said  this,  he  deliv- 
ered me  again  to  that  shepherd,  and  call- 


n  What  is  meant  by  these  virgins  ;  see  before  Si- 
mil,  ix.  V,  U9  et  »eq.  o  MS.  Lamb.  Video  :  which 
appears  from  the  close  of  this  section  to  be  the  true 
readiug. 

178 


ed  the  virgins,  and  said  unto  them  ;  for- 
asmuch as  I  see  that  ye  will  readily  dwell 
in  this  man's  house,  I  commend  him  and 
his  house  to  you,  that  ye  may  not  at  all 
depart  from  his  house.  And  they  wil- 
lingly heard  these  words. 

22  IT  Then  he  said  unto  me,  Go  on 
manfully  in  thy  ministry  ;  declare  to  all 
men  the  great  things  of  God,  and  thou 
shalt  find  grace  in  tliis  ministry. 

23  And  whosoever  shall  walk  in  these 
commands  shall  live,  and  be  happy  in 
his  life.  But  he  that  shall  neglect  them, 
shall  not  live,  and  shall  be  unhai)py  in 
his  life. 

24  Say  unto  all,  that  whosoever  can 
do  well,  cease  not  to  exercise  themselves 
in  good  works,  for  it  is  profitable  unto 
them.  For  I  p  would  that  all  men  should 
be  delivered  from  the  inconveniences  they 
lie  under. 

25  For  he  that  wants,  and  suffers  in- 
conveniences in  his  daily  life,  is  in  great 
torment  and  necessity.  Whoever  there- 
fore delivers  such  a  soul  from  necessity, 
gets  great  joy  unto  himself. 

26  For  he  that  is  grieved  with  such 
inconveniences  is  equally  tormented,  as 
if  he  were  in  chains.  And  many  upon 
the  account  of  such  calamities,  being  not 
able  to  bear  them,  have  cho.sen  even  to 
destroy  themselves. 

27  He  therefore,  that  knows  the  ca- 
lamity of  such  a  man,  and  does  not  free 
him  from  it,  commits  a  great  sin,  and  is 
guilty  of  his  blood. 

28  Wherefore  exercise  yourselves  in 
good  works,  as  many  as  have  received 
ability  from  the  Lord;  lest  whilst  ye  de- 
lay to  do  them,  the  building  of  the  tower 
be  finished;  because  for  your  sakes  th« 
building  is  stopped. 

29  Except  therefore  ye  shall  make 
haste  to  do  well,  the  tower  shall  be  finish- 
ed, and  ye  shall  be  shut  out  of  it. 

30  And  after  he  had  thus  spoken  with 
me,  he  rose  up  from  the  bed,  and  depart- 
ed, taking  the  shepherd  and  virgins  with 
him. 

31  Howbeit  he  said  unto  me  that  he 
would  send  back  the  shepherd  and  vir- 
gins unto  my  house.    Amen. 

PSay. 


THE  END 


OF  THE  APOCKyPHAI*  NEW  TESTAMENT, 


TABLE   I. 

A  LIST  of  all  the  Apocryphal  Pieces  not  now  extant,  mentioned  hy  Writers  in  the 
first  four  Centuries  of  Christ,  with  the  several  Works  wherein  they  are  cited  or 
noticed.     By  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Jones. 


A. 

1.  The  Acts  of  Andrew.  Euseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  25.  Philastr.  Hares.  87. 
Epipkan.  Hceres.  47.  §.  1.  Hares.  61.  §.  1.  et  Hares.  63.  §.  2.  Gelas.  in  Decret.  apud 
Concil.  Sand.  torn.  4.  p.  1260. 

2.  Books  under  the  name  of  Andrew.  August,  contr.  Adversar.  Leg.  et.  Prrphet. 
1.  1.  c.  20.  et  Innocent  I.  Epist.  3.  ad  Exuper.  Tholos.  Epis.  §.  7. 

3.  The  Gospel  of  Andrew.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

A  Gospel  under  the  name  of  Apklles.     Hieron.     Prafat.  in  Comment,  in  Matt. 
The  Gospel  according  to  the  Twelve  Apostles.     Origen.  Homil.  in  Luc.  i.  1.     Ani' 
bros.  Comment,  in  Luc.  i.  1.  et  Hieron.  Prafat.  in  Comment,  in  Matt. 

B. 

The  Gospel  of  Barnabas.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

1.  The  Writings  of  Bartholomew  the  Apostle.  Dionys.  Areopagit.  de  Theol. 
Myst.  c.  1. 

2.  The  Gospel  of  Bartholomew.  Hieron.  Catal.  Script.  Eccles.  in  Pantan.  et  Pra- 
fat. in  Comm.  in  Matt.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

The  Gospel  of  Basilides.  Orig.  in  Luc.  i.  1.  Ambros.  in  Luc.  i,  1  Hieron.  Pra- 
fat. in  Comm.  in  Matt. 

C. 

1.  The  Gospel  of  Cerinthus.     Epiphan.  Hares.  51.  §.  7. 

2.  The  Revelation  of  Cerinthos.  Cuius  Presb.  Bom.  lib.  Bisput.  apud  Euseb.  Hist, 
Eccl.  ].  3.  c.  28. 

1.  An  Epistle  of  Christ  to  Peter  and  Paul.    August,  de  Consens.  Evang.L  1.  c.  9. 10. 

2.  Some  other  Books  under  the  name  of  Christ.     Ibid.  c.  3. 

3.  An  Epistle  of  Christ,  produced  by  the  Manichees.  August,  contr.  Faust.  1.  28.  c.  4. 

4.  A  Hymn,  which  Christ  taught  his  Disciples.     Episc.  ad  Ceret.  Episc. 

E. 

The  Gospel  according  to  the  Egyptians.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom.  1.  3.  p.  452,  46S.  Ori. 
gen.  in  Luc.  1. 1.     Hieron,  Praf.  in  Comm.  in  Matt.  Epiphan.  Hares.  62.  §.  2. 

The  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  made  use  of  by  the  Ebionites.     Epiphan.  Hares.  30.  §.  16. 
The  Gospel  of  the  Ebionites.     Epiphan.  Hares.  30.  §.  13. 
The  Gospel  of  the  Encratites.     Epiphan.  Hares.  46.  §.  1. 
The  Gospel  of  Eve.     Epiphan.  Hares.  26.  §.  2. 

H. 

The  Gospel  according  to  the  Hebrews.  Hegesipp.  lib.  Comment,  apud  Euseb.  Hist. 
Eccl.  I.  4.  c.  22.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom.  1.  2.  p.  380.  Origen.  Tract.  8.  in  Matt.  xix.  19. 
et  1.  2.  in  Joan.  p.  58.  Euseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  25,  27,  et  39.  Jerome  in  many  places, 
as  above. 

179      ;-.4 


Table  1. — The  Lost  ApecrypTial  Books. 

The  Book  of  the  Helkasaites.    Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  6.  c.  38. 
The  false  Gospels  of  Hesychics.    Jlieron.  Prafat.  in  Evang.  ad  Damai.  Gelas.  in 
Decret. 


1.  The  Book  of  James.     Origen.  Comm.  in  Matt.  xiii.  55,  56. 

2.  Books  forged  and  published  under  the  name  of  James.     Epiphan.  Hares.  30,  §  23. 
Innocent  I.     Epist.  3.  ad  Exuper.  Tholos,  Episc.  §.  7. 

1.  The   Acts  of  John.     Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  25.     Athanas.  in  Synops.  §.  76. 
Philastr.  Hares.  87.   Epiphan.  Hares.  47.  §.  1.    August,  contr.  Advers.  Leg.  1. 1.  c.  20. 

2.  Books  under  the  name  of  John.     Epiphan.  Hares.  30.  §.  23.  et  Innocent  I.  ibid. 
A  Gospel  under  the  name  of  Jude.     Epiphan.  Hares.  38,  §.  1. 

A  Gospel  under  the  name  of  Judas  Iscariot.     Iren.  advers.  Hares.  1.  1.  c.  35. 


The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  by  Leucius.     August,  lib.  de  Fide  contr.  Manich.  c.  38. 
The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  by  Lentitius.     August,  de  Act,  cum  Falic.   Manich. 
1.  2.  c.  6. 

The  Books  of  Lentitius.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

The  Acts  under  the  Apostles'  name  by  Leonitus.  August,  de  Fide  contr.  Manich,  c.  5. 
The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  by  Leuthon.     Hieron.  Epist.  ad  Chromat.  et  Heliodor. 
The  false  Gospels,  published  by  Lucianus.     Hieron.  Frafat.  in  Evang.  et  Damas 

M. 

The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  used  by  the  Manichees.  August,  lib.  cont.  Adimant. 
Manich.  c.  17. 

The  Gospel  of  Marcion.  Tertull.  adv.  Marcion.  lib.  4.  c.  2.  et  4.  Epiphan.  Hares. 
42  Proam. 

Books  under  the  name  of  Matthew.     Epiphan.  Hares.  30.  §  23. 

1.  The  Gospel  of  Mat'^hias.  Orig.  Comm.  in  Luc.  i.  1.  Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c. 
25.     Amhros.  in  Luc.  i.  1.     Hieron.  Frafat.  in  Comment,  in  Matt. 

2.  The  traditions  of  Matthias.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom.  1.  2.  p,  380.  1.  3.  p.  436.  et  1.  7. 
p.  748. 

3.  A  Book  under  the  name  of  Matthias.     Innocent  I.  ibid. 
The  Gospel  of  Merinthus.     Ephiphan.  Hares.  51.  §.  7. 

N. 

The  Gospel  according  to  the  Nazarenes,  See  above  concerning  the  Gospel  according 
to  the  Hebrews. 


1.  The  Acts  of  Paul  and  Thecla.  Tertull.  de  Baptism,  c.  17.  Hieron.  Catal. 
Script.  Eccl.  in  Luc.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

2.  The  Acts  of  Paul.  Orig.  de  Princip.  1.  1.  e.  2.  et  1.  21.  in  Joan.  tom.  2.  p.  298. 
Euseh.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  3.  et  25.     Philastr.  Hares.  87. 

3.  The  preaching  of  Paul  (and  Peter.)  Lactant.  de  Ver.  Sap.  1.  4.  c.  21.  Script, 
anonym,  ad  calcem  0pp.  Cypr.  and,  according  to  some,  Clem.  Alex.  Strom.  1.  6.  p.  636. 

4.  A  Book  under  the  name  of  Paul.     Cyprian.  Epist.  27. 

5.  The  Revelation  of  Paul.  Epiphan.  Hares.  38.  §.  2.  August.  Tract.  98.  in  Jo- 
ann.  infin.  Gelas.  in  Decret. 

The  Gospel  of  Perfection.     Epiphan.  Heres.  26.  6  2. 

1.  The  Acts  of  Peter.  Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  3.  Athanas  in  Synops.  S.  Scriptur. 
§.  76.  Philastr.  Hares.  87.  Hieron.  Capital.  Script.  Eccl.  inPetr.  Epiphan.  Hares.  30. 
§.  15. 

2.  The  Docrine  of  Peter.     Orig.  Prooem.  in  lib.  de  Princip. 

3.  The  Gospel  of  Peter.  Scrap,  lih.de  Evang.  Petri,  apud.  Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  6. 
c.  12.  Tertull.  adv.  Marc.  1.  4.  c.  5.  Orig.  Comment,  in  Matt.  xni.  55,  56.  tom.  i.  p. 
223.  Euseh.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  3.  c.  3.  et  25.     Hieron.  Catal.  Script.  Eccles.  in  Fetr. 

4.  The  Judgment  of  Peter.  Rufin.  Exposit.  in  Symbol.  Apostol.  §.  36.  Hieron.  Co- 
fl,  Script.  Eccles.  in  Petr. 

X80 


Table  I. — The  Lost  Apocryphal  Books. 

5.  The  Preaching  of  Peter. — Heracl.  apud.  Orig.  1.  14,  in  Joan.  Clem.  Alex.  Strom. 
1. 1.  p.  357. 1.  2.  p.  390. 1.  6.  p.  635,  636,  et  678.  Theodot.  Byxant.  in  Excerpt,  p.  809.  ad 
calc.  0pp.  Clem.  Alex.  Lactant.  de  Ver.  Sap.  1.  4.  c.  21.  Euseb.  Hist.  Eccles.  1.  3,  c. 
3.  et  Hieron  Catal.  Script.  Eccles.  in  Petr. 

6.  The  Revelation  of  Peter.  Clem.  Alex.  lib.  Hypotopos  apud.  Euseb.  Hist.  Efcl.  1. 
6.  c.  14.  Theodot.  Byzant.  in  Excerpt,  p.  806.  807:  ad  calc,  0pp.  Clem.  Alex.  Euseb. 
Hist.  Eecl.  1.  3.  c.  3.  et  25.     Hieron.  Catal.  Script.  Eccl.  in  Petr. 

7  Booits  under  the  name  of  Peter.  Innocent  I.  Epist.  3.  ad  Exuper.  Tholos.  Episc. 
§.7. 

1.  The  Acts  of  Philip.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

2.  The  Gospel  of  Philip.     Epiphan.  Hares.  26.  §.  13. 


The  Gospel  of  Scythianus.     Cyrill.  Catech.  VI.  §.  22.  et  Epiphan,  Hares.  66.  §.  2. 
The  Acts  of  the  Apostles  by  Seleucus.     Hieron  Epist.  ad  Chromat.  et  Heliodor. 
The  Revelation  of  Stephen.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

T. 

The  Gospel  of  Titian.     Euseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  4.  c.  29. 
The  Gospel  of  TnADDiEUS.     Gelas  in  Decret. 

The  Catholic  Epistle  of  Themison  the  Montanist.  Apollon.  lib.  cont.  Cataphryg.  apud 
Euseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  1.  5.  c.  18. 

1.  The  Acts  of  Thomas.  Epiphan.  Hares.  47.  §.  \.et  61.  §.  1  Athanas.in  Synops. 
S.  Script.  §.  76.  et  Gelas.  in  Decret. 

2.  The  Gospel  of  Thomas.  Orig.  in  Luc.  i.  1.  Euseb.  Hist.  Eccl.  I.  3.  c.  25.  Cyr- 
ill.  Catech.  IV.  §.  36.  et  Catech.  VI.  §.  31.  Ambros  in  Luc.  i  1.  Athan.  in  Synops.  S. 
Script.  §.  76.     Hieron.  Proef.  in  Comment,  in  Matth.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

3.  The  Revelation  of  Thomas.     Gelas.  in  Decret. 

4.  Books  under  the  name  of  Thomas.  Innocent.  I.  Epist.  3.  ad  Exuper.  Tholos 
Episc.  §.  7. 

The  Gospel  of  Truth  made  use  of  by  the  Valentinians.     Iren.  adv.  Haeres.  1.  3.  c.  11. 

V. 

The  Gospel  of  Vilentinus.     Tertull.  de  Proescript.  adv.  Haret.  c.  49. 

181 


TABLE  II. 


A  LIST  of  the  Christian  Authors  of  the  first  four  Centuries,  whose  Writings 
contain  Catalogues  of  the  Books  of  the  New  Testament.  By  the  Rev.  Jeremiah 
Jones. 

*^*  Those  who  also  have  Catalogues  of  the  Book  of   the  Old  Testament,  are 

marked  thus  *. 


The  Names  of  the  VV.iters. 

11 

^1 

The  Variation  or  Agreement  of  their 
Catalogues  with  ours  now  received. 

The  Places  of  their  Wri- 
tings, in  which  these  Cat- 
alogues are. 

I. 

A.a 

*  Origen,  a  Presbyter 

210. 

Omits  the  Epistles  of  James  and 

Comment,     in      Matt. 

of    Alexandria,    who 

Jude,    though    he    owns    them 

apud     Euseh.     Hist. 

employed     incredible 

both  in  other  parts  of  his  wri- 

Eccl. I.  6.  c.  25.  Ex- 

pains  in  knowing  ihe 

tings. 

posit,    in   Joan.   I.   5. 

Scriptures. 

apud  Euseh,  ibid. 

II. 

EusEBius     Pamphilus, 

315. 

HisCatalogue  is  exactly  the  saine 

Hist.  Eccl.  I.  3.  c.  25 

whose    writings    evi- 

with the  modern  one  ;  only  he 

confer  ejusdem  lib,  c. 

dence  his  zeal  about 

says,    the    Epistles   of  James, 

3. 

the    sacred    writings, 

Jude,  the  2d  of  Peter,  the  2d 

and  his   great  care  to 

and   3d  of  John,  though   they 

be    informed,    which 

were     generally    received,   yet 

were     genuine,     and 

had   been  by  some  doubted  of 

which  not. 

As  to  the  Revelation,  though  he 
says   some    rejected  it,  yet  he 
says   others   received    it ;    and 
himself  places  it  among  those, 
which  are  to  be  received  with- 
out dispute. 

III. 

*  Athanasius,  Bp.    of 

315. 

The  same   perfectly   with   ours 

Fragment.  Epist,  Fes. 

Alexandria. 

now  received. 

tal.     et     in    Synops. 

1 

Scriptur.  Sacr, 

IV. 

*  Cyril,  Bp.  of  Jeru- 

340. 

The  same  with  ours,  only  the 

Catech.  IV.  §  36 

salem. 

Revelation  is  omitted. 

V. 

*  The  Bishops   assem- 

364. 

The  Revelation  is  omitted. 

Canon.  LX. 

bled  in  the  Council  of 

t 

N.  B.    The  Canons  of  this 

Laodicea. 

Council  were  not  long  af- 
terwards received  into  the 
body  of  the  Canons  of  the 
universal  Church. 

t  The  Papists  generally  place  this  Council  before  the  Council  of  Nice. 

182 


Table  II. — Catalogues  of  the  New  Testament. 


The  >fames  of  the  Writers. 


isr 


The  Variation  or  Agreement  of  their 
Catalogues  with  ours  now  received. 


The  Places  of  their  Wri- 
tings, in  which  these  Cat- 
alogues are. 


VI. 

EpiPHANius,  Bp.  of  Sa- 
lamis  in  Cyprus. 

VII. 

Gregory     Nazianzen, 
Bp.  of  Constantinople. 


VIII. 
Philastriws,    Bp. 
Brixia  in  Venice. 


of 


IX. 


*  Jerome. 


*  Rtjfin,   Presbyter  of 
Aquilegium. 


XI. 

*  Austin,  Bp.  of  Hippo 
in  Africa. 

XII. 

*  The  forty- four  Bps. 
asBembled  in  the  third 
Council  of  Carthage. 

XIII. 

The  anonymous  author 

of  the   works   under 

the  name  of  Dionysi- 

us  the  Areopagite. 


A.C. 
370. 


375. 


380. 


382. 


390. 


394. 


St. 
Austin 
was 
pres- 
ent at 

it. 


390. 


The   same    with   ours   now  re- 
ceived. 


Omits  the  Revelation. 


The  same  with  ours  now  receiv- 
ed ;  except  that  he  mentions 
only  thirteen  of  St.  Paul's  Epis- 
tles (omitting,  very  probably, 
the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews), 
and  leaves  out  the  Revelation. 


The  same  with  ours  ;  except  that 
he  speaks  dubiously  of  the  Epis- 
tle to  the  Hebrews  ;  though  in 
other  parts  of  his  writings,  he 
receives  it  as  Canonical. 


It  perfectly  agrees  with  ours. 


It  perfectly  agrees  with  ours. 


It  perfectly  agrees  with  ©urs. 


It  seems  perfectly  to  agree  with 
ours:  for  though  he  doth  not, 
for  good  reasons,  produce  the 
names  of  the  books  ;  yet  (as 
the  learned  Daill(5  says,  De 
Script,  supposit.  Dionys.  1.  I.e. 
16.)  he  so  clearly  describes 
them,  as  that  he  has  left  out  no 
divine  book,  may  be  easily  per- 
ceived. 


Hares.  76.  c.  5. 


Carm.  de  veris  et  gen- 
uin.  Scriptur. 


Lib.  de  Hmras.  87. 


Ep.  ad  Paulin.  de  stud. 
Script.  Also  com- 
monly prefixed  to  the 
Latin  Vulgate. 


Expos,  in  Symh.  Ap- 
ostol.  §  36.  int.  Op 
Hieron.  et  inter  Op 
Cypr. 

De  Doct.  Christ.  T.  2, 

c.  8. 


Vid.   Canon,  xlvii.  et 
cap  ult. 


Lib.  de  Hierarch,  Eccl. 
c.  3. 


183 


TABLE  III. 

Times  of  writhig  the  FOUR  GOSPELS  in  the  New  Testament,  from—\.  Dr. 
Lardner''s  Supplement  to  the  Credibility  of  the  Gospel  History.  2.  The  Rev. 
Jeremiah  Jones's  Canonical  Authority  of  the  New  Testament.  3.  Dr.  Henry 
Owen's  Observations  on  the  Four  Gospels. 

Gospels.  Lardner.  Jones  Owen. 

Matthew A.  D.  64 41 38 

Mark 64 67 63 

Luke 63 63 53 

John 68 97 69 

Acts  of  the  Apostles  written,  according  to  Dr.  Lardner,  A.  D.  63  or  64. 
iVb<e.— Christ  died  A.  D.  36 

Times  and  Places  of  the  writing  of  PAUL'S  EPISTLES,  arranged  chronolo- 
gically.— From  Lardner. 

Epistles.  Places.  A.  D. 

L  Thessalonians Corinth 52 

II.  Thessalonians Corinth 52 

Galatians Corinth  or  Ephesus .......end  of  52 

or  beginning  of  53 
I.  Corintliians Ephesus beginning  of  56 

I.  Timothy Macedonia 56 

Titus Macedonia,  or  near  it before  the  end  of  56 

II.  Corinthians Macedonia about  October,  57 

Romans Corinth about  February,  58 

Ephesians Rome about  April,  61 

II.  Timothy Rome about  May,  61 

Philippians Rome before  end  of  62 

Colossians Rome before  end  of  62 

Philemon Rome before  end  of  62 

Hebrews Rome  or  Italy Spring  of  63 

Times  and  Places  of  the  writing  of  the  SEVE^  CATHOLIC  EPISTLES.— 

From  Lardner. 

St.  James Judea 61 

or  beginning  of  62 
L  II.  St.  Peter Rome 64 

I.  St.  John Ephesus about  80 

II.  III.  St.  John Ephesus between  80  and  90 

St.  Jude Unknown 64  or  65 

Revelation  of  St.  John.,  Patmos  or  Ephesus 95  or  96 

184 

THE    END. 


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